Is your critter worthy of royalty? Sign it up for the 2006 King County Fair's Critter Crowning Contest

Whether it dons fur, feathers, flippers or scales, give your beloved pet or farm animal the chance to shine in the King County Fair's Critter Crowning Contest. The winner will be dubbed the King County Royal Critter, the official mascot of the 2006 King County Fair. Entries must be post-marked by June 15.

All 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.

"This is the chance for members of the community to show off their cherished pets or farm animals," said Sharon Roberts, manager of the King County Fairgrounds. "Past winners range from roosters to llamas to house cats, and each one of them unique and worthy of the crown."

Roberts said members of 4-H and Future Farmers of America are especially encouraged to enter the contest.

Finalists will be chosen by a panel of King County Fair people. All photos entered will be posted at the Critter Gallery for display during the King County Fair. The finalists and their critters will compete in person for the grand prize at the King County Fairgrounds during the Fair"s opening ceremonies at noon on July 19.

The winner will be chosen by a panel of officials and dignitaries, and 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.

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. 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 or 360-825-7777, or maureen.burwell@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
2005 Phoenix, the Rooster