Princess Kay of the Milky Way to be crowned, DNR to stock fish exhibit Wednesday

One day before Minnesota State Fair gates open to the public, pre-fair activities will happen as workers bring the fairgrounds to life.

Wednesday morning, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will stock its live fish exhibit, and Wednesday night, the 69^th Princess Kay of the Milky Way will be crowned to represent the state’s dairy farmers at the fair.

DNR Fish and Wildlife Division workers will be at the DNR building Wednesday morning to bring local fish to the pond and indoor tanks.

About three dozen species will be added to the pond, including paddlefish, sunfish and a sturgeon. The DNR says these Minnesota species can be found in places like the St. Croix River, Mississippi and Rainy River systems, as well as in lakes.

Later, 10 county dairy princesses will vie for the title of “Princess Kay of the Milky Way,” which has been held by Meeker County’s Anna Euerle for the past year.

This year’s finalists are from Le Sueur, McLeod, Murray, Sibley, Stearns and Wabasha counties.

The 10 princesses, provided by Midwest Dairy and the Princess Kay Program, are: Alex Christen, Aly Dieball, Hailey Frericks, Kallie Frericks, Ashley Holst, Kiley Lickfelt, Briana Maus, Amber Post, Rachel Rynda and Allison Wright.

The coronation event begins around 8 a.m. Princess Kay is expected to be crowned around 9 p.m.

The program says finalists are daughters of dairy farmers, employees of dairy farms, daughters of dairy farm employees or involved in raising or leasing dairy animals. 

The 2022-23 Princess Kay of the Milky Way will be the official spokesperson for Minnesota’s 2,100 dairy farmers as she talks with fairgoers, makes educational classroom visits throughout the year and attends community events.

Follow all fair-related coverage and view daily fair schedules at the KSTP Minnesota State Fair page.