King County Fair Royal Critter a true survivor

2005 Archived News

Animals from throughout King County put on their Wednesday best to compete for the Royal Critter Crown at today’s official opening of the King County Fair. An unnamed baby miniature donkey was chaperoned by his mother, Reggie the Alpaca politely held his spit and Angus the fat cat basked in the glow of attention lavished on him by adoring fans.

But, it was Phoenix the rooster who rose from the ashes of a 2003 barn fire to claim the Royal Critter title during open ceremonies at the 2005 King County Fair.

Two years ago, Phoenix was the only survivor of a barn fire that killed 30 chickens and two horses. Scorched by the fire, Phoenix still bears some scars including a distinctive, warped beak. Now five years old, Phoenix enjoys life on the farm of Sondra Edwards in Enumclaw. He especially enjoys accompanying Sondra on horse rides, perched on the saddle horn.

The Royal Critter runner-up was Holly the Holland Lop rabbit owned by Kirsten Petersen of Newcastle and third place went to the unnamed miniature donkey. Other critter contestants included two cats, a Patagonian Mara/Cavy, an alpaca, three dogs.

King County Councilmembers Larry Phillips, Larry Gossett, Steve Hammond, Regan Dunn, Kathy Lambert, Pete Von Reichbauer and Jane Hague helped judge the event.

The King County Fair is one of the last real country fairs; in fact it’s the passel of fun little things that makes this old-fashioned country fair so special. Fairgoers will enjoy summer concerts, baby animals, $1 root beer floats, Nascar driver Kasey Kahne memorabilia displayed by his mother, pig races, a loggers’ competition, carnival rides, farm displays, fresh hot scones, and much more.

Don’t forget tomorrow is Kids Day, during which unlimited carnival rides are available for $20 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Qwest Mascot Day on Friday, July 22, where anyone dressed as their favorite team mascot gets in free from 10 a.m. - noon.

Included in the admission price is access to all the shows, with entertainment scheduled on three different stages. General admission prices are $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and $5 for seniors 62 and over.

Hours for the fair are: July 20 & 21 (Wed & Thurs) -- 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; July 22 & 23 (Fri & Sat) -- 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; July 24 (Sun) -- 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, please call the King County Fairgrounds at 206-296-8888. To learn more about the 2005 King County Fair, visit our Web site at www.metrokc.gov/fair.