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.

FAIR DAYS TRADITIONS Miss Sanpete: A tradition since 1964

Janice Franks was chosen to serve as the first Miss Sanpete in 1964. Since then, more than 50 young women have been granted the title of Miss Sanpete, and — along with their courts — they have served the Sanpete area at county fair events and through community service.

Following is a list of the young women who have won this coveted title.

FORMER MISS SANPETE CROWN-HOLDERS

2019: Ally Brotherson, Mt. Pleasant 2018: Bellamy Sorensen, Centerfield 2017: Michayla Jackson, Milburn 2016: Kaytie Nielson, Fairview 2015: Madelyn Christenson, Gunnison 2014: Marlie Meacham, Manti 2013: Kristalyn Cluff, Manti 2012: Audrie Naylor, Manti 2011: Kassie Nielson, Fairview 2010: Ariel Mickelson, Manti 2009: Hannah Christenson, Gunnison 2008: Christine Cox, Manti 2007: Kayla Barclay, Manti 2006: Judy Chamberlain, Ephraim 2005: Tausha Barclay, Manti

2004: Marci McKay, Mt. Pleasant 2003: Christy Nelson, Ephraim 2002: Desirae Ball, Gunnison 2001: Tamber Mickelson, Manti 2000: Charlee Alynn, Mt. Pleasant 1999: Karalyn Thorson, Manti 1998: Janey Ann Petersen, Manti 1997: Katie Anderson, Ephraim 1996: Laura Finlinson, Moroni 1995: Holly Kay Dyreng, Manti 1994: Molly Petersen, Manti 1993: Karen Barton, Manti 1992: Carolyn Finlinson, Moroni 1991: Jill Petersen, Manti 1990: Suzanne Christensen, Gunnison 1989: Sherene Beazer, Ephraim 1988: Heidi Keisel, Moroni 1987: Christine Holman, Manti 1986: Molly McKay, Mt. Pleasant 1985: Michelle Lanier, Ephraim 1984: Alena Krowth, Mt. Pleasant 1983: Myra Anderson, Manti 1982: Debra Chadwick, Manti 1981: Katy Brundage, Manti 1980: Carrie Gunderson, Mt. Pleasant 1979: Becky Barton, Manti 1978: Antoinette Berti, Mt. Pleasant 1977: Rae Ann Rasmussen, Ephraim 1976: Stacey Rasmussen, Manti 1975: Carolyn Bench, Fairview 1974: Claudia Beck, Gunnison 1973: Rebecca Anderson, Manti 1972: Charlotte Lowry, Manti 1971: Debra Howell, Manti 1970: Jeannine Howell, Ephraim 1967: Lynda Johnson, Manti 1965: Jeannette Bench, Fairview 1964: Janice Franks, Ephraim