Twelve finalists have been chosen for Minnesota’s 61st Princess Kay of the Milky Way, including two finalists from Stearns County.

The Minnesota Farm Guide says 19-year-old Sabrina Ley of Belgrade and 21-year-old Leah Middendorf of Sauk Centre are among 12 women competing for the crown.

They received the nomination on Sunday after a three day workshop attended by over 70 county dairy princesses.

The newest Princess Kay will be announced before the opening of the Minnesota State Fair in August. Each of the finalists named on Sunday will have their heads sculpted in butter throughout the 12 day event.

The 12 nominees are:

• Meghan Connelly, 19, Rochester
• Annie Culbertson, 19, Pine Island
• Jeni Haler, 18, Norwood Young America
• Nicole Krumrie, 19, Litchfield
• Audrey Lane, 19, Prior Lake
• Christine Leonard, 20, Norwood Young America
• Sabrina Ley, 19, Belgrade
• Leah Middendorf, 21, Sauk Centre
• Sarah Post, 19, Chandler
• Chelsea Schossow, 19, Houston
• Gabriella Sorg, 17, Hastings
• McCayla Thoe, 20, Hayfield