Hunger may have fueled Diaper Derby winner
Alaina Reed, eight-month old daughter of Ashley and Dave Reed of Uniontown pulls ahead of the pack during her run in the Diaper Derby at the Fayette County Fair.
Dressed in his best Steeler diaper, 9-month old Garrett Snyder and his mom, Michelle Snyder of Smithfield participate in the decorated diaper contest during the Diaper Debby at the Fayette County Fair.
Mackenzy Lowe, 9-months-old, of Uniontown dashes across the stage to her mom.
John F. Brothers
HeraldStandard.com
There are several reasons that may inspire a person to cross a finish line. For some, the sheer glory of being crowned victorious can serve as their driving force, for others it might be the need for speed.
But, for some special racers at the Fayette County Fair earlier this week, a warm smile from a loved one was all that was required.
At the annual Diaper Derby held Tuesday in the Youth Building, the tiniest of competitors were able to show off their racing prowess.
“We had a great turnout,” said Jenn Hartman, chairwoman of the event.
The crawling tots were broken into various racing heats based on age groups, including infant to months, 6 to 9 months and 9 to12 months.
The babies were required to crawl across the stage toward a familiar face. Any racer who was advanced in their motor skills and decided to walk was disqualified. The first baby to cross the finish line was declared the winner.
“I like to watch them crawl. They really keep you on the edge,” said Tania Bosley, Hartman’s sister, who along with their mother, Tina Allen, helped with the event.
In the final race of the evening, winners from each age division challenged each other for the top spot. Alayna Scottodiluzio of Uniontown, Baylee Martin of Smithfield, Mackenzy Lowe of Uniontown and Alaina Reed of Uniontown went head-to-head to find out who would become the fastest racer for this year’s derby.
After an intense crawling contest, 9-month-old Mackenzy was crowned the winner.
“I think she was hungry, and she thought I had food,” said proud mother Stephany Lowe on her child’s secret to winning the race.
Mackenzy Lowe is what Fayette County Fair people would call a “supreme champion” because she also won the diaper decorating contest. She was decked out in a pink John Deere diaper that was made by someone special.
“Her (Mackenzy’s) aunt, Dee Strong, who used to work at the fair, came up with the idea and made it for her,” said Stephany Lowe.
“I love watching them dressed up. I like to see how creative the parents are,” said Hartman.
Even though not all participants received a trophy or blue ribbon, everyone received several gifts, including baby’s first Fayette County Fair T-shirt.
“I hope they (the participants) feel like they are part of the Fayette County Fair,” said Hartman. “I hope they had a great time and enjoyed themselves.”