Which critter will rule the King County Fair?

What do fainting goats, a guinea pig and a Black Polish rooster all have in common? They are among 10 exemplary pets and farm animals chosen as finalists for the 2006 King County Fair's Critter Crowning Contest.

The passel of pets is vying to be crowned “Royal Critter,” the official mascot of the King County Fair, set July 19-23 in Enumclaw.

The critters and their owners will compete for the grand prize during the Fair's opening day ceremony at high noon on July 19. They will be judged on general appearance, stage presence and personality. The winning animal and owner will best exemplify the spirit of the King County Fair, and will be crowned by King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn.

King County's Fair Board chose 10 animal finalists from 21 great entries, said Sharon Roberts, manager of the King County Fair.

"This contest is one of the signature traditions of our fair, and it's important that the winner embody that old-fashioned wholesome friendly spirit," Roberts said.

The appointed 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. The winner will replace outgoing Royal Critter, Phoenix the Rooster.

The 2006 Royal Critter Contest finalists are:

• April the Guinea Pig (owner Jordyn Anderson, Maple Valley).
• Suede the Alpaca (owner Gary Bledsoe, Maple Valley).
• Rocky the Standard Schnauzer (owners Lucas and Tyler Ryynanen, Hobart).
• George 1 and George 2 the Rats (owner Amelia Serafin, Seattle).
• Ron Weasly the Rabbit (owner Callie Weber, Issaquah).
• Jake the Horse (owner Lexie Holmes, Covington).
• Elmo the Emu (owner Daniel Dunlap, Enumclaw).
• Pete and RePete the Fainting Goats (owners Madison and Macie Bosik, Enumclaw).
• Mr. Peepers the Black Polish Rooster (owner Zane Holmes, Covington).
• Oliver the Orange Tabby Cat (owners Lucas and Tyler Ryynanen, Hobart)
  

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 and 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
2005 Phoenix the Rooster

Founded in 1863, the King County Fair is the oldest county fair west of the Mississippi River. The fair continues to celebrate its historic country roots, featuring a family orientated theme with music and entertainment every day. This year's fair theme is “Alive and Kickin',” featuring a demolition derby and rollover contest, plus headline entertainer Blaine Larsen, a Pierce County native and rising Country music star.

For more information, including a full schedule of King County Fair events, visit www.metrokc.gov/parks/fair/ or call the King County Fairgrounds at 206-296-8888.