New Princess Kay crowned

Last update: August 21, 2008 - 6:02 AM

Nineteen-year-old Kristy Mussman of Claremont was crowned this year's Princess Kay -- an honor that will put her in a rotating cooler for nearly eight hours during today's opening of the State Fair while her likeness is sculpted in a 90-pound block of butter.

The 11 other finalists also will have their likenesses carved in butter in a new booth that is more energy efficient and will allow visitors a better view of the scuplting.

Representing Steele County, Mussman, above, a University of Minnesota student majoring in applied economics, was crowned the 55th Princess Kay of the Milky Way on Wednesday night at the fairgrounds. She will serve as the goodwill ambassador for the nearly 5,000 dairy farmers in Minnesota.

Ann Motl of Browerville, representing Todd County, and Ashlee Hartwig of Swanville, representing Morrison County, were selected as runners-up. Hartwig also was named Miss Congeniality.

Scholarships were awarded to Steele County representative Elizabeth Kern of Ellendale, Stearns County representative Megan Reeck of Paynesville and Wadena County representative Becky Richter of Wadena.

Mary Lynn Smith • 612-673-4788