WALWORTH COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced Monday, Jan. 4, the cancellation of the 74th annual Alice in Dairyland finals.

The annual event was set to be held in Walworth County in May 2021. The 75th finals will be held May 19-21, 2022 in Dane County as previously planned.

“Alice in Dairyland is a long-standing Wisconsin tradition. Even during the unexpected challenges of COVID-19, Alice has reminded us all of the diversity and strength of Wisconsin agriculture,” said DATCP Secretary-designee Randy Romanski. “While 2020 may be behind us, the pandemic is not. Cancelling the 74th Alice in Dairyland finals is an unfortunate but necessary step to help protect the health and safety of our staff and the public we serve. We look forward to resuming the annual Alice selection process in 2022.”

“We greatly appreciate the extensive efforts of Walworth County, whose host committee has remained flexible throughout this process. We look forward to showcasing Walworth County at a future Alice in Dairyland finals,” added Krista Knigge, Administrator of DATCP’s Division of Agricultural Development, which houses the Alice in Dairyland program. “We also thank our partners at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, the Mid-West Jewelers Association, and the Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders Association for their steadfast commitment to the Alice program and their support of these unprecedented changes.”

Julia Nunes of Chippewa Falls will continue in her current role as Alice in Dairyland until July 15, 2022, officially becoming the 74th Alice in May 2021. Applications for the 75th Alice in Dairyland will be made available on Jan. 3, 2022. After being selected at the Dane County finals, the 75th Alice in Dairyland will begin her term on July 5, 2022.