The Pennsylvania dairy industry again is seeking candidates to serve as county dairy princesses in their local areas. All single young women from a dairy background or with an interest in the dairy industry should consider devoting a year of their spare time helping to further the interests of that industry in their home county.

Heidi Minor, chairperson of the Mercer County Dairy Princess Committee, has announced that the 2003-04 Mercer County Dairy Princess will be selected at 7 p.m. June 17 at Leslie N. Firth Learning Center, Coolspring Township, north of Mercer.

Any single woman between 16-24 years of age, never married, whose parents or guardians are engaged in dairy farming or are employed in a dairy-related industry is eligible to compete for the title. A young woman is also eligible if she is employed as above or is the owner of at least two animals of the six major dairy breeds in a bona fide 4-H or FFA project prior to May 1.

The 2003-04 winner will serve the dairy industry of Mercer County for one year. She will make appearances at schools, malls, grocery stores, and will have the opportunity to speak to civic clubs, senior citizens groups, farm and non-farm audiences, and to appear on television and radio. In addition, she will represent the dairy industry in parades and at fairs, and will represent Mercer County at the Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Pageant in Camp Hill in September.

The winner must attend a three-day training seminar at Lycoming College, Williamsport, Pa., and the state pageant.

The Pennsylvania Dairy Princess receives a $1,200 cash award, with $600 going to each of her alternates. The state title is honorary, and there is no interruption of school or employment commitments. The state pageant is coordinated by Pennsylvania Dairy Princess and Promotion Services, Inc.

Maggie Moore, reigning Mercer County Dairy Princess, will host a tea at 7 p.m. Friday at Firth Learning Center. Any girl interested in entering the Mercer County Dairy Princess contest is welcome to attend. Bring your mother or guardian.

For more information, call Heidi Minor at (814) 786-7003, Anita Werger at (724) 588-3667, or Tammy Hanna at (724) 475-2502.