Good Things Come in 3s

What an exciting past week it has been! I started off on Monday arriving in Roseville and our host hotel for the Princess Kay of the Milky Way competition. All the young women got moved into their rooms and we spent some great time bonding! Then, we were treated to dinner at Osaka; it was not only delicious, but entertaining as well. Tuesday morning we were up bright and early to begin judging. I was contestant #2. Personal interview went very well and was followed by lunch with the judges. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know them and it made us all feel more comfortable in the judging room. Mock media interviews flew by and then it was on to the speech competition. I practiced my nearly-memorized speech just one more time before heading into the room and am happy to say I nailed it and only glanced down twice! Extemporaneous remarks were a challenge, but we made it through and moved on to group judging. I was put into a wonderful group and we fed off each other really well during the discussion which made it go super fast. That completed judging and I couldn't have been more relieved! We went out for pizza that night before heading off to the Kare11  Backyard where we appeared on the 10 o'clock news with Belinda Jensen.



Wednesday morning we had a few hours to get ready for the day before traveling to attend the Midwest Dairy Association board meeting and have lunch with all the members. Lunch was great and we had some intriguing conversation with fellow dairy farmers. After lunch we headed over to the state fair  grounds for a quick rehearsal then back to the hotel for final preparation before the big night. Family and individual pictures were taken before our banquet.  A few short speeches and some yummy chocolate cake later all the finalists were backstage. We had so much fun and each of us got a moment on stage to be introduced and speak with our host for the evening. It was an incredible three days where  memories and friends were made to last a lifetime.


As we all paraded back onstage for crowning, I stayed calm. I knew that my fate was already decided and everything was out of my control. I gave judging my best and felt confident it all that I had said and done. First they announced Miss Congeniality; Kelsey Mussman was named and I couldn't have been more excited for her! I am happy to call her my friend. Next, we moved on to the announcement of the top three. I was thrilled to hear my name called first, followed by Kelsey Mussman and Christine Reitsma. Then the big moment, as Mary walked by each of us, we stole one last glanced at the crown. She held the crown over each of our heads before placing it on the 59th Princess Kay of the Milky Way's. Christine could not have been more surprised or excited, I am so happy for her. I am confident she will make a fantastic Princess Kay and serve as an energetic ambassador for the dairy industry in Minnesota. Placing in the top three for Princess Kay is an honor.




After Judging!

Before our Luncheon

Matt Addington Photography

Top 3

Just a little later today I will be headed back to the state fair to spend my three days there. I will engage in several activities with fairgoers, present a My Farm, My Story presentation in the Moo Booth and on Sunday the 26th (tomorrow) I will be getting my head carved out of 90lbs of dairy butter! I am so excited to follow in my mother's and sister's footsteps.

So, if you're at the state fair be sure to check out all the butter heads in the Empire Commons and grab a treat from the Dairy Goodness Bar! See you at the Great Minnesota Get Together!

xoxo,

Victoria