Being a mother to a newborn is one of the greatest joys in life, and it gets even better when there’s a chance to show off your beautiful baby.
The annual baby contest at the Thamesville Threshing Festival provided just such a showcase Saturday, with 41 babies entered.
Sara Demars entered her six-month-old son, Thomas, and was thrilled to be a part of it.
“I just had a son and I wanted to show him off,” she said.
“I think he did pretty well,” Demars added of Thomas appearing before the judges.
Melissa Ratte and her five-and-a-half-month-old daughter, Fayelind, also had fun being in the contest.
“This is my first daughter, so I’m obsessed with her,” Ratte said.
Noting she loves all kids, Ratte said, “So, I just thought maybe we’d take a chance and see if we could win, because I know she’s the cutest ever in my eyes.”
She said Fayelind is very social and likes seeing other babies.
Chantelle Bernicky said she has been looking at trying to put her five-month-old daughter Brylee-Rae in pageants, and was excited to enter the Thamesville Threshing Baby Contest.
“She did really good,” the proud mom said.
She also appreciated the fact there is a baby contest in the community.
“I think it’s awesome, it’s good to get the community together and get babies involved,” Bernicky said of the event.
The contest has been a part of the Threshing Festival for many years, but Saturday was the first time Kristy Metcalfe organized the event.
She said the Threshing Festival is one of the organizations that hold a baby contest.
“I’m glad that we can do this,” Metcalfe said, adding they have participants from across Chatham-Kent take part.
“It’s a very successful and highly participated in event.”