Showing up cute – the biggest requirement for fair's Baby Show

BURLINGTON – When it comes to pageants, contestants between 6 months and 4 years old probably feel the least pressure. Yes, they have to be Boone County residents and their folks pay a $5 registration fee as well as the $10 fair entry for anyone over the age of 3.

However, they don't have to register early, wear fancy-schmancy attire or attend rehearsal as do the entrants in the other four pageants. They just show up 15 minutes before their event, said Brooke Burcham Hurst, director of the Baby and Preschool Shows, who has worked the Boone County 4-H & Utopia Fair's pageants since she was 10.

"The child needs to be dressed in a casual sundress or shorts outfit," said Hurst, since August usually comes with hot weather. "They will not be judged on their attire."

The three judges for each pageant will judge only on the child's face, she added. "There have been numerous winners that either sleep during the pageant or fall asleep before it is over. Each pageant usually lasts only an hour."

The five age groups are all held at the Pavilion, said Burch, adding that the two youngest divisions (from 6 months up to the 2-year-olds) draw the most entrants.

"In these age groups, we could have over 40 to 50 contestants," she said. "We always have more girls than boys."

The littlest cuties lead it off Thursday, Aug. 6. Boys and girls compete separately: Boys 6 months to 1 year at 1 p.m.; girls at 2 p.m.; boys age 1 at 3 p.m.; girls at 4 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 7, the 2-year-olds compete: boys at 2:30; girls at 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug, 8, they start earlier: 3-year-old boys at 9:30 a.m.; girls at 10 a.m.; 4-year-old boys at 10:30 a.m.; girls at 11 a.m.

Hurst also directs the Miss Teen Pageant, and her mother, Beverly Burcham, and sister Bridget Kremer direct the remaining pageants, all with help from family and friends. Besides trophies and cash prizes, winners are awarded a trip to represent Boone County in the Kentucky State Fair. Times are listed below:

• Miss Sweetheart Pageant: Tuesday, Aug. 4, 6 p.m., ages 8-13 (Main Show Ring).

• Miss Boone County Beauty Pageant: Tuesday, Aug. 4, 8 p.m., ages 16-22 (Main Show Ring).

• Little Mr. and Miss Beauty Pageant: Wednesday, Aug. 5, 6 p.m., ages 5-8 (Pavilion).

• Miss Teen Pageant: Wednesday, Aug. 5, 8 p.m., ages 13-16 (Pavilion).

"Our immediate families as well as our extended families look forward to this week all year long and help out every single day of fair week," said Hurst.