County babies bring on cuteness at Picton Fair contest

Emma Lough was named Best Baby at the Picton Fair show this year. – Olivia Timm photo

By Olivia Timm
Emma Lough was named Baby of the Year at the annual Picton Fair Baby Show, Friday afternoon in the Crystal Palace.

Emma captured everyone’s attention while she toured the stage and kept her mother, Melissa Lough of Picton, and her grandmother busy. She won in the 13-18 month female category.

After some tough decisions by judges Sharon Palmer and Sandy Rutter, the first runner-up was Caleb Barsley, son of Nicholas Barsley of Demorestville, placing in the 7-12 month male category.

Casey and Jeff Vanhaarlem with sons Mason and Brody. Olivia Timm photo

Second runner-up was Mason Vanharleem, son of Jeff and Casey Vanharleem of Wellington, placing in the 13-18 month male category.

As families and friends filled the historic Crystal Palace for the show, children’s entertainer Andy Forgie strummed his guitar and sang songs to the crowd.

There were plenty of big smiles at the show – including from seven-month-old Chance Cowan, son of Vicki and Lincoln Cowan. His grandmother, Carrie Sanders noting Chance was more than five weeks premature, smiled and called him their “little miracle guy.”

Chance Cowan with grandmother Carrie Sanders and mom Vicki Cowan. Olivia Timm photo

Lana Latchford, organizer of the show for more than 30 years, said there were 40 babies registered this year – a slight decline from last year’s 45. Joining Latchford were volunteers Sue McGill and Nancy Craig.

As in past years, it’s always a guessing game as to whether or not there will be twins in the show. Latchford said some years there are several sets, and some there are none.

Sponsor Rob Tomlin

This year was the latter, and host Rob Tomlin, owner of the Ultramar Main Stop – sponsor of this year’s baby show – joked with the audience, “If you have twins, you’ll win a trophy!”

Lana Latchford, show organizer, for more than 30 years. -Olivia Timm photo

Latchford was pleased with the number of fathers who took the stage at Friday’s show, because in past years it has typically been mothers and grandmothers who attend their little ones. She says it is nice to see more men up there.

The afternoon came to a close, and Tomlin thanked everyone for coming out to another successful year for the show.

Winners in all the categories. – Olivia Timm photo

2017 show winners:

Zoe Rose Dawson, daughter of Anna Dawson (0-3 month female)
Adam Roy Leavitt, son of Felicia and Chris Leavitt (0-3 month male)

Beth Kuipers with Annika. – Olivia Timm photo

Annika Kuipers, daughter of Beth and Steve Kuipers (4-6 month female) and Deegan Casey Moore, son of Brent and Tanya Moore (4-6 month male)

Brent Morris and Laura Nye, parents of Lakelyn Morris. – Olivia Timm photo

Lakelyn Morris, daughter of Laura Nye (7-12 month female)
Caleb Barsley, son of Nicolas Barsley (7-12 month male and first runner-up Best Baby Overall Award)

Emma Lough, daughter of Melissa Lough (13-18 month female) and Mason VanHaarlem, son of Jeff and Casey Vanhaarlem (13-18 month male and second runner-up to Best Baby Overall)