The Wife of a Dairyman ~ Churned in Cali: dairy princess

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April 15, 2013

Dairy Princess Ball

One of the events that we attend as a family annually every April is our local, District 3 Dairy Princess Ball. The responsibility of a Dairy Princess and her first and second alternates are to act as goodwill ambassadors for the dairy industry. They will speak at schools, fairs and many other community events and functions about the importance of dairy products and also to answer questions the public may have regarding dairy products and dairy herd care.

This year there were five contestants vying for the top spot of the 56th District 3 Dairy Princess. All the young ladies, seniors in high school, did a fantastic job speaking under pressure to a crowd of over 700....nerve racking for almost anyone, I believe.

Top placement went to our family's long time friend, Frankie Gambonini! Paige couldn't WAIT to make her way over to Frankie to congratulate and dance with her.

The rest of the evening included a scrumptious Tri-Tip dinner and LOTS of dancing and socializing. I think the kids at this event almost out number the adults. So much fun.

Paige's goal of the evening was to dance with every single dairy princess....persuasive Paige, somehow, talked First Alternate, Jessie Peterson into relinquishing her tiara for just a few minutes.

Lots of dancing, home by midnight, asleep by 12:10 and awake the next morning to attend a 4H Cooking meeting here at the house....{where we made fabulous mini quiches....recipe coming soon!}

Contest Results:

Dairy Princess: Francesca Gambonini of Petaluma
1st Alternate: Jessie Peterson of Petaluma
2nd Alternate: Makenzie Floyd of Sebastopol

Congratulations Ladies!!

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April 10, 2011

Dairy Princess Ball Recap

Last night we attended the 54th annual District 3 Dairy Princess Ball. Our good friend and cousin, Rich Silacci made the trek up from Cal Poly where he manages the dairy there, to be the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

My front row posse, Logan, Carson, Derrick, Bryce, Cameron, Paige and Leila saved me a seat with the best angle so I could get some good pics.........

The responsibility of the District No. 3 Dairy Princess and the first alternate, will be to act as a goodwill ambassador for the dairy industry. They will speak at schools, fairs and many other community events, about the importance of dairy products.

This year there were four contestants vying for the crown. And here they are:

Carly Miller. An active member in FFA and has also worked at 4H camp for six years as a staff member. She has also been involved with raising jersey bulls as part of a veterinary science class in high school. Carly says, "I believe in the importance of agriculture education and know the value of it to all ages."

Amanda Moretti. Daughter of dairy farmers and will be studying animal science at Cornell in the fall. Amanda is an active member of FFA, 4H and the CA Junior Holstein Association and has served as an officer for her 4H club, Tomales FFA, Sonoma Section FFA, North Coast Region FFA, Redwood Empire Junior Holstein Association and CA Junior Association.

Amanda says, "If selected as District 3 Dairy Princess, my main goal will be to bridge the gap between producers and consumers. I hope to dispel any misconceptions individuals have about the dairy industry and encourage not only the youth, but adults as well, to learn more about the industry and its importance in our everyday lives."

Maria Camozzi. Grew up on a family dairy run by her parents. After high school graduation, Maria will study agriculture business at Cal Poly. Maria has served as president of Petaluma FFA and is a member of Redwood Empire Holstein Association.

Maria says, "I hope to educate the public about the important role that the dairy industry plays in our community, state and nation."

Samantha Spaletta. Daughter of a fourth generation dairy farmer, she works on the family farm and has her own 75 head herd of cows. Samantha has been a member of her local 4H club for 10 years and served on its board, she is also a member of Petaluma FFA and serves on the board.

Samantha says, "I want to share my knowledge of dairy products and the industry in California. I want the consumer to understand that dairymen treat their animals humanely and the California farmers are hard working people. My hopes are that the small family farms will be around for a long time."

While the judges were making the final decision, the introduction of the Milk Advisory Board Representative; Dominic Carinalli, North Bay Dairy Women current president; Audrey Wheeler and Contest Chairperson; Judy Buttke were introduced to the crowd.

And retiring dairy princess, Emilie Strand says a few words and

presents her retiring court, Regina Camozzi and Stephanie Rowley, gifts of appreciation.

Over the past year, I saw Emilie in action holding her title as Dairy Princess at numerous community events. She did a phenomenal job connecting with the public, teaching kids about dairy products, making herself available when called upon by the community and always with a smile on her face. Nothing ever seemed to frazzle Emilie. She is a fantastic role model for all kids out there, and especially for our young girls.

The evening moved on and the contestants then came out in their white gowns for the conclusion of the ceremony.

Carly......

Amanda.....

Maria.........

Samantha........

The 'Miss Vitality' award was given to Maria.....

The judges, James Garner, Dr. Marit Arana, Ph.D. and Kevin Blount had made their decision.

Anticipation.................

First Alternate was awarded to Samantha Spaletta!

The newly appointed District 3 Dairy Princess title goes to Amanda Moretti!

Amanda gives her acception speech to the crowd of over 700.

Next on the agenda was a delicious dinner and of course some dancing.

I'm sure that at one point there were more little kids on the dance floor than big kids and adults. Definitely a family friendly event. Bryce loves his cousins:)

Paige and her cousin, Leila, followed the Dairy Princesses around, I think all night!

My nephew, Cameron, showing off his dance moves.......

Lots of Daddy-daughter dance time too...........

It was midnight before we arrived home.....my kids don't even go to bed this late on New Year's Eve!

The quotes above, by the contestants, were taken from the Petaluma Argus Courier.

Here is last year's contest, where Emilie Strand was crowned Dairy Princess.

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April 25, 2010

Fun at the Butter and Eggs Day Festival

Yesterday we attended Petaluma's annual Butter and Eggs Day Festival. This annual event draws over 30,000 attendees. As a portion of Petaluma's agriculture history, the city is known as the birthplace of the incubator which then began it's title as The Egg Basket of the World and it was also known as one of the premier dairy regions in the country. At one time up to 600 million eggs were shipped out of Petaluma to San Francisco and around the world on an annual basis. Poultry farming offered a cost effective business that could operate year round being conducive to Petaluma's climate where temperatures rarely dip below freezing.

Every year the city pays homage to this part of it's agriculture history by celebrating with Butter and Eggs Day.

The day kicks off at noon with a parade that lasts approximately two hours or so. The theme, of course is centered around chickens and dairy. After the parade concludes, you can amuse yourself with the block long food court offering festival foods and beverages, arts and crafts exhibitors and activities to entertain kids with inflatable bounce houses, rides, and hands-on activities. This is one of the North Bay’s largest events.

Here are some photos of the parade~

Remember the Dairy Princess Ball we attended a few weeks ago? Here they are in the parade; Dairy Princess Emilie Strand, 1st Alternate Regina Camozzi (left), and 2nd Alternate Stephanie Rowely (right)....

Antique dairy truck.........

Petaluma Riding and Driving Club Color Guard. I can't take enough horse photos, as you can probably tell. It always amazes me how horses in parades rarely 'spook' even in the midst of thousands of people, sirens blaring at different intervals, bands playing, kids running everywhere and just odd looking things everywhere you look. SO well trained!