Beat the stampede, sign up early for 2005 King County Fair Critter Crowning Contest!

2005 Archived News

Is your pig a real ham, your cow just bovine? Is your dog the cat's meow? If so, this is your chance to enter your beloved animal in the King County Fair's Critter Crowning Contest. The winner of the contest will be named official mascot of the 2005 King County Fair.

All animal owners are invited to submit a photo of themselves and their favorite pet or farm animal for the chance to win prizes and perhaps achieve "Royal Critter" status for the 143rd annual King County Fair, July 20-24, at the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw. Entries must be post-marked by June 15, 2005.

"This is the chance to show everyone that your pet or farm animal has what it takes to rise to the top," said Sharon Roberts, manager of the King County Fair. "This year's winner will join an elite group of animals that have been crowned Royal Critter, including last year's winner Charlie the Alpaca. So, if you've got a great photo of you with your dog, cat, cow, chicken, horse, goat, reptile, or any animal, send it in. You and your animal could be the big winner."

Members of 4-H and Future Farmers of America are especially encouraged to enter, but any resident of King County can participate. Finalists are chosen by a panel of King County residents. All photos will be posted at the Critter Gallery and will be on display during the King County Fair.

The finalists and their critters will compete in person for the grand prize at the King County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, July 20 at the spectacular Opening Ceremonies at high noon. The winner will best exemplify the spirit of the King County Fair. The 'Royal Critter' will be invited along with his or her owner to visit the King County Fair as a special guest of the King County Parks Division.
With its 2005 theme "Good Clean Fun," the King County Fair continues to celebrate its historic country roots of the 1800s, featuring a family fun with music and entertainment every day. The King County Fair has a long country tradition dating back to 1863 when it was founded -- it is the oldest county fair west of the Mississippi River.

Applications for the Critter Crowning Photo Contest are available at King County Parks Division facilities everywhere. Remember, entries must be postmarked by June 15. For more information, or to receive an application by mail, please call the King County Fairgrounds at 206-296-8888 or 360-825-7777, or send an e-mail to joan.lewis@kingcounty.gov.

Royal Critter Hall of Fame
1974 Sheeba the Goat
1975 Henrietta the Goose
1976 Plum the Cow
1977 Julie the Hen
1978 Synthia the Swine
1979 Strawberry the Lamb
1980 Lila the Lamb
1981 Sarah the Goat
1982 Elizabeth the Polish Hen
1983 Candy Babe the Horse
1984 Katrina the Calf
1985 Eli the Donkey
1986 Gomer the Basset Hound
1987 Wishbone the Turkey
1988 Saki the Llama
1989 Becky the Cow
1990 Khyber the Cat
1991 Grumpy the Potbellied Pig
1992 Bruno the Llama & Kelsey the Dog
1993 - 1997 No Royal Critter crowned
1998 Munchado the Llama
1999 Buttercup the Rhode Island Red Chicken
2000 Hannah the Miniature Southdown Sheep
2001 Anna the Holstein
2002 Dulce De Leche, The Nubian Goat
2003 Jeffrey, The Romney Sheep
2004 Charlie, The Alpaca