Visit Your Local PBS Station PBS Home PBS Home Programs A-Z TV Schedules Watch Video Support PBS Shop PBS Search PBS

Washington Week
Around the TableTranscriptsVideoContact us
Washington Week HomeStudent Voices
This Week
About the Show
About Gwen
Where to Watch
Webcast Extra
Reporter's Notebook
Special Coverage
Discussion Forum
For Educators
Student Voices
Contact Us

Hundreds of babies compete in Freedom Festival Baby Contest
By Lance Hamner
The Daily Universe (BYU)
06/19/2007

(U-WIRE) PROVO, Utah — Hundreds of babies competed Saturday on Utah Valley State College's campus at the annual America's Freedom Festival Baby Contest.

Children ranging from newborns to 30 months old were judged in categories according to their age, with the possibility of winning various prizes, including a four-year scholarship to UVSC.

Jennifer Chase, one of the judges for the zero to 3-month-old category, said they judged the babies on their personality and behavior, unique talents and traits, physical features, and the babies' reaction to the judges.

"Babies who are electric and bouncy will do better than those who cry or are shy," Chase said.

Children could also participate in the costume contest, where they were judged on their rendition of this year's theme: "American Family Values - Family, Freedom, God and Country."

Rebecca Lambert entered both her children in the costume contest. Lambert's son, Carson, entered the 30-month-old category dressed as Uncle Sam, while her daughter, Kaylee, entered the 8-month-old category dressed as the statue of liberty.

"Between the two costumes, I spent about 10 hours making them," Lambert said. "What I'm here for is the scholarship to UVSC."

Michele Campbell, another hopeful mother, decided to enter her daughter Skylar in the contest after receiving a Freedom Festival flier.

Skylar, 13 months old, knows basic words in sign language and was able to demonstrate her skill for the judges.

"Other than that, Skylar was just giggly and laughed for the judges," Campbell said.

James and Chelsea McKinney said this was their first time attending a baby contest. Their 2-year-old daughter Olivia is very outgoing but acted shy around the judges.

"It's hard to make your kid do a little song and dance when they are just plopped on a table in front of the judges," Chelsea said. "I felt shy, and I wasn't even the one performing."

The baby contest had more than 150 volunteers along with vendors and community resources available for parents of young families.

Copyright ©2007 The Daily Universe via UWire



[ Back to Student Voices ]