NEWS BULLETIN: Hanson begins reign as Princess Kay

Owatonna’s Jena Hanson begins her reign today at the Minnesota State Fair as the dairy industry’s top ambassador.

Hanson, 20, was crowned as the 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way Wednesday night during a coronation at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights.

“I’m so proud to be representing the dairy industry,” Hanson said shortly after the crowning. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and overwhelmed.”

On Thursday and Friday, she will have her likeness carved out of a 90-pound block of butter in the Dairy Building at the State Fair.

During her year-long reign, Hanson will make public appearances to help connect consumers to Minnesota’s dairy farm families. She will work to bring dairy to life through conversations, classroom visits and various speaking engagements about the nutritional benefits of dairy and dairy farmers’ continual commitment to environmental sustainability.

Hanson was one of 10 finalists for Princess Kay. They were narrowed down to three finalists before Hanson was crowned as the Princess Kay.

She is the fourth Princess Kay from Steele County during the program’s 73-year history. The last was Kristy Mussman in 2008.

Currently, Hanson attends the University of Wisconsin- River Falls where she is majoring in dairy science management. She also interns at Kashome Holsteins by Medford.

She is the daughter of Steve and Suzie Hanson of Owatonna.