Deadline approaching fast for entry into King County Fair Critter Crowning Contest

'Dance to the Moo-Sic' at oldest county fair west of the Mississippi, July 18-22

Who will follow in Jake's hoofprints as the 2007 King County Fair's reigning Royal Critter? Time is running out to enter your favorite pet or farm animal in the King County Fair's annual Critter Crowning Contest. Entries must be postmarked by June 15.

Last year, Jake, an Arab/Morgan horse owned by 13-year-old Lexie Holmes of Covington, trotted away with the coveted crown, topping a tough field of contestants that included a guinea pig, an alpaca, two fainting goats and a black Polish rooster.

This year's field of potential royalty promises to be just as diverse. 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 145th annual King County Fair, July 18-22, at the Enumclaw Expo Center, formerly the King County Fairgrounds.

All King County residents are eligible to enter their pets or livestock; members of 4-H and Future Farmers of America are especially encouraged to enter the contest.

The winner will be chosen by a panel of officials and dignitaries who are looking for just the right critter that exemplifies the spirit of the King County Fair. Finalists and their owners will compete in person for the grand prize during the Fair's opening ceremonies at noon on July 18.

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. The theme for the 2007 King County Fair is "Dance to the Moo-sic."

This year's fair includes racing pigs, a Midway that's full of new carnival rides, live music, a new "Kiddieland," a demolition derby and a great variety of traditional fair food.

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, 206-296-8888, or toll-free at 800-325-6165, ext. 68888. 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 2007 King County Fair, 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
2006 Jake the Horse