FAMILY TRADITION — Sarah Manthey succeeded her sister, Angie, and Sara Larson during the Waseca County Dairy Association’s Annual Dairy Princess Banquet March 26 at the Purple Goose in Janesville. Pictured is the Manthey family, from left, Chuck, Angie, Justin, Sarah and Kris. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
Excitement, melancholy, nervous jitters and memories all melded together for the Waseca County American Dairy Association’s Annual Dairy Princess Banquet, held at the Purple Goose March 26 in Janesville.
Curt Keyes, President of the Waseca County ADA, kicked off the evening welcoming friends and neighbors of dairy producers and products. Brian Sommers gave the invocation, while Doug Leet performed as the master of ceremonies for this commemorative event.
Leet began by recognizing the Waseca County American Dairy Association Board of Directors: President, Curt Keyes; Vice President, Dustin and Courtney Dobberstein; Secretary, Larry and Cindy Clayton; Treasurer, Greg and Sue Harguth; Princess Coordinator, Dale and Judy Hoffman; Directors, Casey and Amy Nelson, Bill Root, and Brian Sommers.
Every year the Waseca County ADA presents special awards. This year was no exception. Dustin Dobberstein presented the Butter Knife Award to Darrin and Dee Millbrett, proprietors of the Yellow Mushroom in Waseca. The Butter Knife Award honors an eating establishment that uses real dairy products.
The Milk Pitcher Award is given to an individual or organization that goes above and beyond in promoting the dairy industry.
"Come rain, come snow, come sleet, come hail, for 54 and one-half years this man has been more dependable than the milkman, and more reliable than the mailman. Lester ‘The Tester’ Perschbacher is the Waseca County ADA recipient of the Milk Pitcher Award," Dobberstein announced.
Leet then introduced 2011 Waseca County Dairy Princess Sarah Manthey.
"Sarah is an outstanding young lady, she has been accepted to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls; and also Minnesota State-Mankato. Sarah has helped with a variety of jobs on the family farm. She has helped milk, and feed cows, and she has even baled hay," Leet said.
"I am honored to represent the Waseca County ADA, producers, parents, board, and sponsors," Manthey said.
She also took a moment to give special recognition to Summer Ridge Veterinary Clinic of Janesville for sponsoring her as the Waseca County American Dairy Association 2011 Princess.
"Who has been the most influential person in your life?" Leet asked.
"My Dad, he is a caring, hard working man," Manthey replied.
Judy Hoffman presented 2010 Dairy Princesses Sara Larson and Angie Manthey with a $250 scholarship award, and a 'Pride and Joy' print that was numbered, and signed.
"Cows are their passion," Hoffman said.
"Thank you for your Dairy Farmer Spirit," Leet added.
"The Waseca County American Dairy Association is a hardworking group that cares about the environment, and our cows,” said Angie Manthey. “It has been a wonderful experience being Waseca County ADA 2010 Dairy Princess. The educational experiences, media presentations, and etiquette tools learned while promoting the dairy industry are huge. Remember happy, healthy cows produce the greatest nutrients, and highest quality products."
It was bittersweet as Angie Manthey crowned her sister Sarah, and as the Waseca County Dairy Association said farewell to one sister, they greeted another.
