MELROSE -- A Melrose woman will represent Stearns County for a chance to crowned Minnesota's 62nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

18-year-old Morgan Uphoff is one of 12 finalists at this year's pageant. She says her passion for the dairy industry was the biggest factor in choosing to run this year.

"I love growing up on a dairy farm and I'm proud to represent not only my family farm but all the farmers and what a great honor it is to spread the word about dairy," says Uphoff.

Princess Kay serves as the official goodwill ambassador for nearly 4,000 Minnesota dairy farmers.

Uphoff says growing up on a dairy farm has taught her a lot about the industry and she is honored to represent the dairy farmers of Stearns County.

"Yes I am very proud of where I come from, coming from the largest dairy county in the state of Minnesota and the 21st largest county in the nation. So yes I am very proud," says Uphoff.

All the finalists will spend everyday at the Minnesota State Fair and get their heads sculpted in butter.

Uphoff says it would be an honor to be crowned Princess Kay of the Milky Way and hopes she will have the opportunity to represent Minnesota's dairy industry.

"I just want everyone to know I am extremely thankful and proud to represent Minnesota and to tell my story about dairy and why I love growing up on a farm so much," says Uphoff.

The pageant will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Bandshell stage beginning at 8:30 p.m.

The last time a Stearns County representative was crowned Princess Kay of the Milky Way was in 2012, with Christine Reitsma, of Sauk Centre.

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