Proclamation celebrates the long-time tradition and the contributions of Minnesota's dairy producers

ST. PAUL, MN - Tonight at 8:30pm at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Governor Mark Dayton will open the 61st Annual Princess Kay of the Milky Way Coronation. As the event gets underway, Governor Dayton will declare today "/governor/assets/princess_kay_2014.pdf_tcm1055-94232.pdfPrincess Kay of the Milky Way Day" in Minnesota. The Governor's proclamation recognizes this long-standing State Fair tradition, and the contributions of more than 3,600 Minnesota dairy farm families statewide.

Each year, more than 100 young women from across Minnesota are crowned county dairy princesses. In May, nearly 60 county dairy princesses participated in the contest to become Princess Kay finalists. The winner of tonight's Princess Kay contest will serve as the Minnesota dairy industry's official goodwill ambassador for the next year, and have her likeness carved in butter this week at the Minnesota State Fair.

More on Princess Kay of the Milky Way
Each year, the Midwest Dairy Association selects a young woman to serve as Minnesota's dairy princess. The title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way was first picked in a Department of Agriculture contest almost 60 years ago. Each year, a new Princess Kay is crowned before the opening of the Minnesota State Fair and appears at events throughout the Fair and the rest of the year. More information can be found here.

More on Minnesota's Dairy Farmers
Minnesota's dairy farmers produce high-quality products enjoyed across the state and around the world. Each year, Minnesota's dairy producers sell more than $1.6 billion worth of milk alone. In 2013, Minnesota producers exported over $200 million of dairy and egg products - a 22% increase over 2012. Minnesota's dairy products industry supports over Minnesota 40,000 jobs.

Details on Tonight's Event
Tonight's Princess Kay of the Milky Way Coronation is open to the press. Details are as follows:

WHAT:
Princess Kay of the Milky Way Coronation

WHO:
Princess Kay Contestants
Governor Mark Dayton

WHERE:
Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Leinie Lodge Bandshell

WHEN:
Wednesday, August 20
8:30pm