The State Fair is not happening this year for the first time since 1946, but the 67th annual Princess Kay of the Milky Way will continue.
The socially-distanced banquet and traditional butter sculpture the next day will kick off August 12. While it won't be quite the same, fans can still get engaged.
"People can tune in, can ask them questions, can get to know the candidates like they would at the Minnesota State Fair and then get to see the progress of the butter sculpture as it comes to life," Theresa Reps, the Agricultural Affairs Manager at Midwest Dairy, said.
Reps said it was important to farmers to continue the tradition.
"They wanted to continue this with or without the Minnesota State Fair and to find a way to get creative because it's still very important to them that they have these advocates talking about their love for dairy and sharing what happens on their farm," she said.
Sculptor Linda Christensen is not traveling from her home in California due to the pandemic, but will join virtually. Her 50th and final year as sculptor is 2021. Apprentice Gerry Kulzer was originally slated to do three busts as he transitions to take over the full-time, but he will be making all 10.