Next Saturday, April 5, five candidates will be vying for the title of Becker County Dairy Princess. The coronation will be held at 8 p.m. in the Detroit Lakes American Legion.
Prior to the coronation ceremony, each of the five candidates has to undergo a mock radio interview and a personal interview with the judges.
"What we're looking for is people who have a background in dairy and a desire to promote the dairy industry," said program coordinator Vanessa Warling.
Candidates must also be between ages 18-24 (those who will turn 18 by July 1 are also eligible), unmarried, and have no children.
"Although we crown only girl as the Becker County Dairy Princess, and two runners-up, we still consider all five girls as goodwill ambassadors and encourage them to help communicate the importance of the dairy farmers and the important wholesome dairy products," Warling continued.
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"We are excited to see so many girls interested in running for the dairy princess program."
Three of the five candidates will also be chosen to represent Becker County at the Princess Kay of the Milky Way competition, which takes place in May.
The five candidates competing for this year's crown are:
-- Cathy Balsiger, Lake Park. Currently a sophomore at the University of Minnesota-Crookston, Balsinger is majoring in veterinary science with a pre-veterinary emphasis. She grew up on a dairy farm north of Lake Park that currently consists of 1,500 milking cows.
-- Renae Schaefer, Frazee. The daughter of Roger and Anita Schaefer, she is currently attending Bemidji State University to pursue a degree in mathematics education, with a minor in business administration. Schaefer was raised on her family's dairy farm north of Frazee.
-- Leah Lage, Audubon. The daughter of Mike and Linda Lage, she is a graduate of Lake Park-Audubon High School, currently attending Minnesota State University of Moorhead to pursue a degree in criminal justice. She grew up on the family's dairy farm near Audubon.
-- Alysha Warling, Audubon. The daughter of Albin and Carol Warling, she is currently a senior at Lake Park-Audubon High school, and grew up on her family's dairy farm in rural Lake Park.
-- Elizabeth Warling, Audubon, is also the daughter of Albin and Carol Warling. She is currently attending Minnesota State University Moorhead to pursue a degree in mass communications. Like her sister, she grew up on the family's dairy farm and continues to help in its operation.
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For more information about the Becker County Dairy Princess program, contact Vanessa Warling at 701-866-4294.
