Out of a field of four candidates, Lauren Mullenbach, of Adams, was crowned 2014 Mower County Dairy Princess at the 61st Annual Dairy Princess Banquet Saturday at the Sacred Heart Auditorium in Adams.

Mullenbach is the daughter of Pat and Kris Mullenbach and was sponsored by Four Way Farms. Nearly 230 guests attended the annual dairy celebration.

The following three young women will serve as Mower County Dairy Ambassadors: McKinzie Smith, daughter of Rick and Tracy Smith, Adams, sponsored by Land O’Lakes, Inc; Mollie Smith, daughter of Randy and Val Smith, Adams, sponsored by Crowson Milk Trucking; and Lea Semones daughter of Cheri Bentzin and Ed Smith, Rose Creek, sponsored by Foremost Farms. Darrell Ingvaldson, Austin Chamber of Commerce, presented the candidates with “Austin Chamber Bucks.”

Five girls were named 2014 Mower County Milkmaids. This is a county program open to third and fourth grade girls with an interest in the dairy industry. The milkmaids are: Gloria Hansen, daughter of Corey and Kaye Hansen, Austin, sponsored by Gene’s Dairy and Hansen Farms; Rachel Heller, daughter of Steve and Becky Heller, Adams, sponsored by Mayer Milk Hauling and Bubble’s Cafe; Emma Haugen daughter of Corey and Jen Haugen, Austin, sponsored by Kemps; Amelia Smith daughter of Ed Smith and Heather Schmitz, Rose Creek, sponsored by Mayer Milk Hauling; and Lydia Reinartz daughter of Steve and Darcey Reinartz, Adams, sponsored by Dr. Lamonte Gray & Stateline Veterinary Supply.

The banquet began with a dairy social hour allowing guests to meet the current dairy royalty as well as the 2014 candidates. Nicole Jax, 2013 Mower County Dairy Princess, and finalist in the Princess Kay of the Milkyway competition, had her “butterhead” on display. During the social hour the royalty and candidates served samples of dairy products. Guests could also view live and silent scholarship auction items before the start of the banquet.

Connie Irvin, Rose Creek, was recognized with the Milk Pitcher award. This award is presented to an individual who does an outstanding job of promoting dairy products. Irvin has served 14 years on the Mower County American Dairy Association Board. The Butter Knife was presented to Sweets Hotel, LeRoy. Harlan Schaefer accepted the award.

The annual banquet is organized by the Mower County American Dairy Association Board.