Baby contest showcases infants with miniature parade

August 07, 2000

Baby contest showcases infants with miniature parade

By KERRI SACCHET / Staff Writer

With a pumpkin hat on his head, sitting amongst fruits and vegetables, four-month-old William Valentine, Jr., was seated in the wheelbarrow filled with hay that his father pushed down the runway at the Ag Expo's Baby Contest and Miniature Parade on Monday evening.

His mother, Katrina, said she and her husband picked the fruits and vegetables theme because they are a favorite of William's.

"He just loves them," she said.

William, who is one of six siblings in his family, was the first prize winner in the non-walking part of the contest, which featured infants in the birth to 14 months age group.

Before the contest, William Valentine, the father, said it was a spur of the moment idea to bring his son out and join in the contest and it was purely for the fun of it.

"It doesn't matter if he wins; it's just a good time," Valentine said.

William was one of ten children who participated in the contest.

Participants were required to have themes and narratives, which were read by the Ag Expo princesses. The babies were judged on three criteria: Originality, workmanship and attractiveness, said Glenda Drury, coordinator of the contest.

Barbara Diefenderfer, who has worked with the contest in past years, said the baby contest is enjoyed both by parents and the general crowd.

"It's fun; it's a real spectator's sport," Diefenderfer said.

There were six winners, three for each age group. For the 15 months to three years age group, Alicen Hoover came in first as Ms. Bo Peep, Hadley Pauline Giles was second, and Justin Beckley, dressed as "Johnnie Tractor," won the third prize.

For the non-walking group, William Valentine, Jr. took first and Judah Landon Ickes, 5 months, won second prize.

Judah's mother, Sarah Ickes, said her son was portraying a judge for the milking demonstration.

"He even had a milk mustache," she laughed. "We're really excited; he's our first baby and we just wanted to show him off."

Payton Nicole Webb won third prize in the non-walking age group.

The contest was sponsored by several local businesses. First-prize winners were given trophies, baby blankets, and gift certificates.

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