Jake the horse trots away with Royal Critter crown

24-year-old Morgan/Arab horse will represent 2006 King County Fair

Jake and Lexie - click photo for higher resolution

A 24-year-old Morgan/Arab horse that knows how to "shake hands" and competes in barrel racing has been crowned the Royal Critter of the 2006 King County Fair in Enumclaw.

Jake, and his owner, 12-year-old Lexie Holmes of Covington, took top honors in the competition Wednesday, fending off stiff competition from an emu, a rabbit and seven other critters who were vying for the coveted crown. Jake was crowned during the fair's grand opening ceremonies by County Councilmember Reagan Dunn.

"He's just a really good boy," said Lexie. "He's really good with kids, and he doesn't freak out like some other horses do when there's a big crowd of people or lots of noise."

Jake is also talented. Not only does he know how to "shake hands," but he's got a whole bulletin board full of ribbons, according to Lexie, who will be barrel racing with Jake later during the fair as part of the Golden Horseshoes 4-H Club. Jake replaces outgoing Royal Critter, Phoenix the Rooster.

First runner-up was Elmo the Emu, owned by Daniel Dunlap of Enumclaw. Second runner-up was Ron Weasly the Rabbit, owned by Callie Weber of Issaquah.

Other 2006 Royal Critter Contest finalists were:

• 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);
• 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).

Jake and Lexie at the Critter Crowning
Please click photo for higher resolution

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.

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, with the theme of "Alive and Kickin'," features a demolition derby and rollover contest, plus headline entertainer Blaine Larsen, a Pierce County native and rising Country music star. Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasslebeck will be greeting fans from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 22.

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.