Don't let your critter miss its big chance: King County Fair Critter Crowning Contest entries due June 15

Give your favorite pet or farm animal the chance to join the elite ranks of Charlie the Alpaca and Phoenix the Rooster by entering it in the 2006 King County Fair's Critter Crowning Contest. The winner will be crowned the King County Royal Critter, the official mascot of the 2006 King County Fair. Entries must be post-marked by June 15.

Animal owners are invited to submit a photo of themselves with their favorite pet or farm animal for the chance to win prizes and perhaps achieve "Royal Critter" status for the 144th annual King County Fair, July 19-23, at the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw. Members of 4-H and Future Farmers of America are especially encouraged to enter the contest.

The winner, chosen by a panel of officials and dignitaries, will best exemplify the spirit of the King County Fair. The finalists and their critters will compete in person for the grand prize during the Fair's opening ceremonies at noon on July 19. The appointed Royal Critter will then be invited along with its 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 featured headline entertainer is Blaine Larsen, a rising Country music star and Pierce County native.

The theme for the 2006 King County Fair is "Alive and Kickin."

Applications for the Critter Crowning Photo Contest are available at all King County Parks Division facilities or at http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/fair/critter_crowning.asp. For more information or to receive an application by mail, contact Maureen Burwell at the King County Fairgrounds, 206-296-8888, 360-825-7777, or maureen.burwell@kingcounty.gov.

Admission to the fair is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 62 and older and for children ages 6 to 12. Kids under the age of 6 are free when accompanied by an adult.

For more information about the 2006 King County Fair, contact the King County Fairgrounds at 206-296-8888 or visit http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/fair/default.asp.

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