56th Princess Kay of the Milky Way Crowned - Elizabeth Olson

Last night was a truly special night, as it was the 'eve' before the start of the Minnesota State Fair. Which means it is the night the new Princess Kay of the Milky Way is crowned (Minnesota's Dairy Ambassador).

This night has always had special meaning to me. As it was my dream since I was a young girl on to one day represent the dairy industry as Princess Kay. My dreams did come true and I was the 44th Princess Kay of the Milky Way, a year I will treasure forever.


Yes, this is me Kari (Skiba) Stanek as Princess Kay #44.

Even though I have held the precious title, I still get excited for each new group of Princess Kay Finalists. The excitement never fades. The Princess Kay program is a long-standing, rich tradition that is truly special to Minnesota. And every year I am blown away with the talented group of young women that represent Minnesota's Dairy Producers! And this year was no different.

As a past Princess Kay, we have an 'Honor Society' where we keep in touch through a annual newsletter, which is compiled by Betty Cole, PK #6. She does a great job keeping it up! Kudos Betty. Do you know other past Princess Kay's, look for them here.

Betty Cole Princess Kay #6

Besides having the opportunity to return each year for the Princess Kay banquet and coronation, we have a Pick-A-Winner contest. I enjoy this and I can say I am two for two in the last two years.

Actually, I have a long history of picking winners. As a little girl, I remember receiving the Midwest Dairy Association newsletter before the fair and devouring all the information about each candidate. Then I would pick my favorites. Finally, every year during the Minnesota State Fair while my family exhibited dairy cattle, I would run to the Dairy Building to see the butterheads and try to meet the new Princess Kay and finalists. (Okay, call me a big kid, I still do this every year.)

This year the Midwest Dairy Association crowned Princess Kay #56! And I am excited that I know her and her family well. Elizabeth Olson made history last night by not only joining a long line of dairy ambassadors, but also by her family having the first pair of sisters to hold the Princess Kay title. Elizabeth's sister, Sarah Olson was Princess Kay #49. But the history doesn't stop there. There are three butterheads in this household. Another sister, Lana Olson, was a Princess Kay finalist in 2005.


Congratulations Elizabeth! Good luck with your year! I know you will represent the dairy industry well and make us all proud that we are in the dairy business!

For the full details about Elizabeth as the new Princess Kay click here!

Now I can share with you my link to the Olson family. For 50 year's the Raylore Farm (Olson's) has exhibited at the Minnesota State Fair. My family has exhibited there about half that time but I have gotten to watch this family show since I started exhibiting and they are a great family, very passionate about the dairy business.

The year Sarah was crowned Princess Kay, my relationship with the family grew closer. Sarah now works for Holstein World (a dairy breed publication and website), so through my work at Accelerated Genetics, we get to 'work' together sometimes.


Sarah Olson, Princess Kay #49

Then two years ago, I hired Lana as my summer intern! And I really got to know the Olson's! Lana was a treat to have working with us that summer, still miss her warm, bubbly personality! She is an Editor for Hoard's Dairyman, another great dairy producer publication! And again, because of my work in the dairy industry, our paths cross quite often.


Here is Sarah, Elizabeth & Lana with Sarah & Lana's butterheads. Soon to be three.

Over the years, I have also seen and watched Elizabeth grow and mature, while marching to her own beat in her sister's footsteps. This past year while I was an advisor for the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association, I got to visit a bit more closely with Elizabeth as she and a few other Minnesotans ventured to Wisconsin for the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Convention. At that point, I was even more impressed with this young lady.


Here is the in-process butterhead for Elizabeth.

Minnesota is lucky to have the Olson family producing a wholesome, nutritious and delicious product...Milk! And Minnesota Dairy Producers should be proud of Elizabeth as their Princess Kay as well as all of the Dairy Princesses throughout the state that promote dairy and educate consumers throughout the year!

For more information about Princess Kay of the Milky Way go to Midwest Dairy Association.

Also, you can become a fan of Princess Kay on FACEBOOK (MDA has a goal of 1000 Fans!) and follow her throughout the year through ExploreDairy.com.

Check out Orange Patch Dairy Blog...another fellow, past Dairy Princess reports!