Celebrating the 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way at Minnesota State Fair

The Crowning of the 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way

In a heartwarming ceremony held on August 26, 2026, Jena Hanson, a 20-year-old college student from Owatonna, was honored with the title of the 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Representing Steele County, Jena's crowning not only marks a personal achievement but also symbolizes her role as a goodwill ambassador for the nearly 1,500 dairy farm families across Minnesota.

Jena, who is currently pursuing her studies at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, expressed her enthusiasm in a statement, highlighting her eagerness to connect consumers with the stories of Minnesota’s dairy farmers. Part of her mission during her reign will include educational outreach, where she plans to hold classroom visits and engage in discussions focused on the nutritional benefits of dairy, along with the industry's commitment to sustainability.

The annual competition drew ten sem finalists from counties throughout Minnesota, showcasing not just their knowledge of the dairy industry but also their communication abilities and passion for dairy farming. Alongside Jena, Isabella Schiffler and Jaiden Smith were recognized as runners-up, while all three finalists received scholarships. Jaiden's warm personality earned her the title of Miss Congeniality, an accolade that speaks volumes about her character and camaraderie among the candidates.

One of the highlights of Jena's first official duty will take place immediately following her crowning. She will step into a rotating cooler at the Dairy Building to have her likeness sculpted in a 90-pound block of butter, a beloved tradition at the fair. Renowned artist Gerry Kulzer will create Jena’s butter sculpture, along with those for other finalists, over the course of the fair.

Celebratory Events and Public Engagement

Jena's journey as Princess Kay of the Milky Way will be filled with numerous public appearances aimed at promoting dairy. Throughout the Minnesota State Fair, she, along with the other finalists, will be present near the Butter Sculpture Booth at the Dairy Building, allowing fair-goers to meet them and learn more about the dairy industry.

The finalists are set to have their butter sculptures unveiled on various days throughout the fair. Jena’s sculpture will be revealed on August 27 and 28, with subsequent sculptures unveiled for the other contestants in the following days. Fair attendees are encouraged to follow Jena’s journey through social media, as she will share updates on both her personal experiences and the farming community’s initiatives.

The Princess Kay program is a significant initiative supported by Midwest Dairy, which represents over 3,600 dairy farm families in a ten-state region. This program is funded through contributions from dairy farmers, highlighting the industry's unified commitment to inspire consumer confidence and appreciation for dairy products and practices.

In conclusion, Jena Hanson's inauguration as the 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way is more than a title; it’s a distinctive opportunity for her to harness her voice in advocating for Minnesota's dairy families. Through education, community engagement, and public outreach, she aims to bridge the gap between consumers and dairy farmers, ensuring that the industry's vital role is well understood and appreciated. Her reign is sure to bring new energy and enthusiasm to raising awareness about the benefits of local dairy production and sustainability practices.

Stay tuned for more updates as Jena embarks on this exciting journey, bringing dairy to life for consumers everywhere.