Princess Kay of the Milky Way represents dairy farmers in Minnesota, and even amid COVID-19, they were able to crown a 2020 princess. A live streamed coronation took place on Wednesday, August 12, with 19-year-old Brenna Connelly from Olmsted County taking the crown.
Starting Thursday, August 13, candidates will be on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds to get their likeness carved out of a 90 pound block of butter. It’s a Minnesota State Fair tradition that draws thousands of onlookers every year. And although the 2020 State Fair is canceled, you’re still able to watch the process via a live stream on the Princess Kay Facebook page.
Linda Christensen, the artist who has carved Princess Kay and the other candidates for 49 years, will not be sculpting this year due to risks associated with the pandemic. She will be a part of the festivities virtually.
Christensen is planning to return to the Fairgrounds in 2021 for her 50th and final year as the sculptor.
Minnesota sculptor Gerry Kulzer, an artist and teacher from Litchfield, has been an apprentice of Christensen’s for the last two years, and will serve as this year’s artist. Kulzer will take over as the sculptor after Christensen’s retirement following the 2021 Fair.
The sculptures typically take all day to make, so hop on the Princess Kay Facebook page for a slice of Minnesota State Fair tradition.
Sculpting takes place daily August 13 through August 22. Every day at 10:30 am, 1:00 and 4:00 pm, you will be able to ask questions of the finalists while they’re posing. Sculpting is closed to the public.
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