Jena Hanson Crowned 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way
Jena Hanson of Owatonna was crowned the 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way on Wednesday night at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. She will serve as the goodwill ambassador for Minnesota dairy farm families for the next year.

Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, August 26, 2026 — Jena Hanson, from Owatonna, has been named the 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way. The coronation took place on Wednesday night at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Hanson will assume her duties as the official goodwill ambassador for Minnesota dairy farm families, a role she will hold for the upcoming year.
The selection of Princess Kay is a tradition that highlights the importance of dairy farming in Minnesota and recognizes individuals who serve as advocates for the state’s agricultural community. Hanson’s responsibilities will include representing dairy farmers at various events and engaging with the public to promote the dairy industry.
The specific details regarding the events leading up to the crowning, the number of other finalists, or the exact nature of Hanson’s upcoming ambassadorial duties were not provided in the summary. Her term as Princess Kay of the Milky Way officially begins following her coronation and will continue for the next twelve months, concluding with the selection of the 74th Princess Kay.
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds served as the venue for the ceremony, a location often associated with agricultural events and competitions. Hanson’s home town of Owatonna is situated in Steele County, a region with a notable agricultural presence in Minnesota. Her role as Princess Kay will involve extensive travel and public appearances across the state.
Story summarized from the original created by Cory Knudsen on kstp.com, see more information here.