Ten critters ready to go toe to claw (to hoof) for King County Fair ‘Royal Critter’ crown

Newts, horse, rabbit, chicken among the flock of finalists for July 18 event

A diverse field of nearly two dozen hopeful pets and livestock has been narrowed down to 10 finalists who will compete for the title of 2007 King County Fair Royal Critter. The winner will be crowned as part of the fair’s opening celebration, July 18 at the Enumclaw Expo Center.

The Critter Crowning Contest is one of the signature events at the King County Fair, which is celebrating its 145th season this year and is the oldest county fair west of the Mississippi.

King County's Fair Board chose 10 animal finalists from 23 great entries, said Sharon Roberts, manager of the King County Fair.

"Like onion burgers, the 4-H displays and all of the Midway carnival rides, the Critter Crowning Contest is one of the great traditions that make our fair such a perfect outing for the whole family,” Roberts said.

The finalists for the 2007 King County Fair Critter Crowning are:

• Elvis and Sir Isaac, a pair of newts owned by Brandy Rose Pickering of Enumclaw;
• My Own, a horse owned by Rorey Glen of Ravensdale;
• Domino, a goat owned by Summer Hallquist of Enumclaw;
• Charlie, a goose owned by Jordan Lybeck of Enumclaw;
• Zinnia, a rabbit owned by Alicia McDougall of Enumclaw;
• JoJo, a Holstein cow owned by Kimmi Devaney of Enumclaw;
• Fancy Pants, aka Tony Chickenhawk, a chicken owned by Hannah Dahlquist of Enumclaw;
• Beans, a dog owned by Stephany Wieland of Enumclaw;
• King County, a rooster owned by Carole Wlos of Kent; and
• Patches, a cat owned by Tyler Ryynanen of Hobart.

The critters and their owners will compete for the grand prize during the Fair's opening day ceremony at high noon on July 18. They will be judged on general appearance, stage presence and personality. The winning animal and owner will best exemplify the spirit of the King County Fair, and will be crowned by King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn.
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. The winner will replace outgoing Royal Critter, Jake the horse.

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.