Corn Fest competitions begin with beautiful babies in Morris

At noon Sunday, Sept. 22, parents filtered over and formed a line on the left side of the Morris Community High School auditorium.

Some of their babies had on bonnets and dresses. One young man wore a bow tie. The moms and dads exchanged compliments as, one by one, their children were introduced and brought on stage to face the judges.

The Baby Show was the first competition of the 2019 Grundy County Corn Festival. More than 100 children were broken up into categories by age and gender and considered for their personality, disposition and general appearance.

There are 11 categories: 6- to 12-month girls and boys, 13- to 23-month girls and boys, 2-year-old girls and boys, 3-year-old girls and boys, 4- to 5-year-old girls and boys and twins.

The competition cost $5 to enter and all children and parents were required to wear the 2019 Corn Festival pin. Winners took home a small trophy and gift baskets from Apple Butter and Shuggie’s were given out by lottery.

Heidi Kindelspire, owner of Gigi’s in Morris, has been the organizer for seven years. She said every baby the judges see is adorable, and, sometimes, the results just come down to luck.

“Everyone’s baby is the cutest baby. Some just happen to have better days than others,” Kindelspire said.

Vickie Sajnaj, one of the judges, agreed.

“Sometimes, a baby has an amazing personality and smile, but they just get a little shy up on stage or are just ready for a nap,” Sajnaj said.

Sajnaj speaks from experience as both judge and mother. Her two adult children were in the show years ago.

“Alyssa got second place, and Gabe was just not feeling it that day; didn’t really like crowds,” she said.

The first child called on stage was 9-month-old Addison Olson, who’s favorite foods are “papa’s mashed potatoes and whatever momma is holding,” according to her introduction. Olson was brought on stage by her dad, Brian, while mom, Tiffany, and sister, Aubree, watched from the front row.

“We’d never done it before and thought it would be fun to try,” Tiffany Olson said. Her daughter, Aubree, is in kindergarten and also participated.

Brian Olson thought his youngest daughter did well.

“[The judges] talked to her and gave her toys to play with,” Olson said. “She wasn’t smiling a ton, but she was calm the whole time.”

Addison Olson was followed by 7-month-old Vera Antcliff, who was very interested in a red and blue ball the judges provided. Her parents, Hannah Potter and Brandon Antcliff, were excited.

“I’ve lived in Morris all my life, so I was just waiting to have a baby to enter,” Potter said with a laugh.

Kindelspire said the goal of the event is just to have a good time with local children.

“Our show is very laid back. No pressure. It’s just great that we get to interact with so many babies,” Kindelspire said.

This year’s winners are:

6- to 12-month-old girls – Bridget Bernardi, Vera Louise Antcliff, Ella Polcyn

6- to 12-month-old boys – William McAndrew, Axel Mann, Cole Morris

13- to 24-month-old girls – Kamden Edwards, Scarlett Day, Gianna Scott

13- to 24-month-old boys – Maxwell Jungles, Jean Daniel Steyl, Wylie Yunker

2-year-old girls – Savannah Stewart, Taylor Frantz, Abigail Wiley

2-year-old boys – Dominic D’Amico, Logan Stanley, Wyatt Savoree

3-year-old girls – Lucille Draino, Ava Dubik, Hensley Jones

3-year-old boys – Ty Morris, Brady Day

4- to 5-year-old girls – Aubree Olson, Kensley Schomig, Kaelyn Soreng

4- to 5-year-old boys – Reid Frantz, Angel Damian Valencia