FAIR DAYS TRADITIONS
King Cowboy tradition longtime part of fair For more than 70 years, the Sanpete County Fair has been honoring local ranchers and farmers with the title of King Cowboy. This designation has been bestowed upon men from all corners of the county and recognizes the careers and skills developed over decades of working the land. Following is a list of all the men who have been honored over the years with the title of King Cowboy as well as their cities of residence. FORMER KING COWBOYS 2019: Terry C. Rigby, Oak Creek 2018: Ron Christensen, Sterling 2017: Lee Sorensen, Mayfield 2016: Scott Terry, Milburn 2015: Joe Frishknecht, Mayfield 2014: Jarvis Sorensen, Gunnison 2013: Doug Taylor, Moroni 2012: Larry Stewart, Milburn 2011: John Wintch, Manti 2010: Kerry Despain, Axtell 2009: Alan Bailey, Fountain Green 2008: Bert Sorensen, Mt. Pleasant 2007: Ted Thomson, Ephraim 2006: J. Neil Nielson, Gunnison 2005: Ross Terry, Fairview 2004: Richard Nielsen, Ephraim 2003: Ira Nielson, Centerfield 2002: Lee Anderson, Fountain Green 2001: Tom Anderson, Gunnison 2000: Glen Johnson, Manti 1999: Reed Thomas, Mt. Pleasant 1998: Don Barton, Manti 1997: Lyman Holyoak, Centerfield 1996: Bryce Jackson, Milburn 1995: Wayne Graser, Ephraim 1994: Brice H. Roberts, Gunnison 1993: Burt Seely, Mt. Pleasant 1992: Ned Madsen, Manti 1991: Bruce Bown, Manti 1990: Lloyd A. Terry, Milburn 1989: Tonay Peterson, Sterling 1988: L. Grover Childs, Gunnison 1987: W. Clark Benson, Ephraim 1986: Juel Rasmusson, Manti 1985: Merrill Johnson, Moroni 1984: Bruce Allred, Mt. Pleasant 1983: Lynn Sorensen, Axtell 1982: Neil Sorenson, Mayfield 1981: Allen Beck, Spring City 1980: Miles Jensen, Gunnison 1979: Paul Rassmussen, Ephraim 1978: Don Mackey, Manti 1977: Stanley Price, Wales 1976: Cleon Rigby, Fairview 1975: Bert F. Jensen, Gunnison
1974: Don Denton, Sterling 1973: Ervin Brotherson, Mt. Pleasant 1972: Wesley Johnson, Fayette 1971: Kay Olsen, Ephraim 1970: Ivan Peterson, Manti 1969: Ray Christensen, Moroni 1968: Truman Sorenson, Axtell 1967: Merrill Whitlock, Mayfield 1966: Tom Davis, Wales 1965: Leo Seely, Mt. Pleasant 1964: Harold Nielson, Centerfield 1963: Jennis Allred, Manti 1962: Erastus Rasmussen, Ephraim 1961: Royal Allred, Spring City 1960: Urban Hartley, Fairview 1959: Leon Tidwell, Moroni 1958: Francis Nielson, Mt. Pleasant 1957: Ervin Roberts, Gunnison 1956: Cal Mickelson, Manti 1955: Alma Allred, Mt. Pleasant 1954: Harold Despain, Fairview 1953: O.C. Doke, Ephraim 1952: John Baxter, Gunnison 1951: Nels Sorenson, Mayfield 1950: George Sorenson, Ephraim 1949: Nels Madsen, Manti
For more than 40 years, Sanpete County’s pet owners have brought their dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds and more to compete in the Sanpete County Fair Open Pet Show. You may ask, “What is a pet?” Well, quite simply and concisely, a pet can be almost anything. Who is to say that a mouse, spider, snake or a starling can’t be a pet? As the old saying goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and that also applies to pets. Entry categories are small dog, large dog, cat, rabbit, reptile, bird and foul, costume, large pet, most unusual and open.
2020 • Sanpete County Fair Through the Years 45
