ST. PAUL, Minn. (KWAD) — A Wright County college student will reign as Minnesota dairy royalty after being crowned the 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way at the Minnesota State Fair.

Malorie Thorson, 20, of Waverly, received the honor during a ceremony Wednesday night at the State Fairgrounds. As the winner, Thorson will be the first of this year’s finalists to have her likeness carved into a 90-pound block of butter — a beloved tradition at the fair. Her butter sculpture will be crafted Thursday and Friday inside the Dairy Building by Minnesota artist Gerry Kulzer.

Thorson, who grew up on a dairy farm, said she is honored to represent Minnesota’s dairy farmers and is eager to share her passion for agriculture. “Princess Kay isn’t just a crown,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to connect with people about where their food comes from.”

Two other finalists were recognized: Alexis Hoefs of New Prague (Le Sueur County) and April Klaphake of Sauk Centre (Stearns County) were named runners-up.

In addition to Thorson, all nine finalists will sit for their own butter sculptures over the course of the fair. The 2025 finalists are:

• Alexis Hoefs of New Prague, representing Le Sueur County

• Lauren Steffl of Sleepy Eye, representing Brown County

• Paige Frenchick of Manannah, representing Meeker County

• Monica Evers of Kellogg, representing Wabasha County

• Natalie Clemenson of Zumbrota, representing Goodhue County

• Heidi Montag of Sauk Rapids, representing Benton County

• Nicole Hauschildt of Zumbro Falls, representing Wabasha County

• April Klaphake of Sauk Centre, representing Stearns County

• Haylie Wielenberg of Long Prairie, representing Todd County

The Princess Kay title is awarded annually by Midwest Dairy, which evaluates candidates based on their communication skills, dairy knowledge, and enthusiasm for promoting the industry.

Over the next year, Thorson will serve as a goodwill ambassador for Minnesota dairy farmers, making classroom visits, speaking at community events, and highlighting the importance of dairy in healthy diets and local economies.

“Princess Kay represents the pride, passion, and progress of Minnesota’s dairy community,” said Midwest Dairy in a statement. “Malorie embodies all of these qualities.”

As thousands of fairgoers line up to watch the butter sculptures take shape, Thorson’s reign is just beginning — one that continues a Minnesota State Fair tradition as rich as the dairy products it celebrates.