Rynda crowned 69th Princess Kay of the Milky Way

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A moment many Minnesota dairy princesses dream about became a reality for 19-year-old Rachel Rynda Aug. 24.
Between exclamations of excitement and warm embraces from her family and friends, Rynda took in her crowning moment of becoming the 69th Princess Kay of the Milky Way at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul.

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Rynda is the daughter of Francis and Theresa Rynda, of Montgomery. The Ryndas milk 40 cows, farm 400 acres and finish 130 steers each year.
Now, the college student can transition into the role of goodwill ambassador for Minnesota’s dairy farmers knowing her childhood dream has been accomplished.
“This is so surreal,” Rynda said. “I grew up watching Princess Kay and being inspired by her. She has always been a role model of mine.”
Rynda, who was also named Miss Congeniality, was joined by runners-up Aly Dieball of Sibley County and Kiley Lickfelt of McLeod County.
Rynda was a scholarship winner alongside Lickfelt and Briana Maus of Stearns County.
“I am so lucky to be joined by these nine other ladies tonight, and I can’t wait for the next 12 days with them,” she said.
Rynda greeted fair goers Aug. 25 on the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair. Her first official duty as the newly-crowned Princess Kay was to spend Aug. 25-26 sitting in the butter booth with sculptor Gerry Kulzer, of Litchfield, who carved her likeness in a 90-pound block of butter.  
“I plan to use my butterhead with my family,” Rynda said. “We do popcorn and movie nights each week. I can’t wait to share my accomplishment with them.”
Throughout the fair, Rynda will make various appearances as she starts her year-long reign promoting Minnesota’s dairy industry.
Rynda’s family was in attendance at the coronation along with a large fan section to offer support. Rynda said their support is what she admires most about the dairy industry she has always been a part of.
“One of my favorite things to do is sing in the barn with my dad,” Rynda said. “Spending time with my family on our farm has placed so much value in what I will be doing for the rest of my reign. I believe dairy is family, and I want that to be evident in everything I do.”
Rynda hopes to bring her experience to classrooms around the state to share her story with students so they can learn about farmers and the dairy products they produce. She said she is anxious to have open conversations with curious consumers.
Francis said Rynda has innate qualities that will make her a wonderful Princess Kay.
“She is so outgoing,” he said. “She has the desire to share and, more importantly, listen to other people. She works hard and isn’t afraid to try anything.”
For Rynda, her ambitious life as an agribusiness student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will now become busier as she begins taking on the role of Princess Kay and weaving events between her class work.
Rynda said she is excited to represent Minnesota’s dairy farmers and looks forward to making connections across the state.
“I don’t even know what to say other than how proud I am to represent the most resilient and caring people I’ve ever met, dairy farmers,” she said.