It was READY, SET ... STAY PUT during the Diaper Derby at the North Dakota State Fair on Tuesday.
With their parents cajoling and waving treats and toys in their faces from the sidelines, bewildered babies and toddlers were asked to crawl across a mat ahead their competitors. Instead, most of them just sat and smiled.
"I think the best part is watching the parents," said Shannon Webster, vice president of marketing for Town and Country Credit Union, which sponsored the second annual contest.
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Andrea Johnson/MDN • Kelli Fyllesvold of Plaza coaxes her 11-month-old son, Cayson Fyllesvold across the finish line during the second annual Diaper Derby at the North Dakota State Fair on Tuesday.
Cayson Fyllesvold, 11 months, from Plaza was the speedy overall winner of the Diaper Derby. His mom, Kelli Fyllesvold, waved a bag of food treats in Cayson's face to get him to start crawling faster than the other babies. Cayson finished ahead of the other babies in an opening heat and then in another race against other semifinalists. His parents won a $50 basket filled with baby goods provided by Town and Country Credit Union.
Jaden Livsey, 17 months, from Minot Air Force Base, was the winner of the first Toddler Trot during the contest, toddling across the finish line just ahead of his competitors.
His mother, Kaylyn Livsey, said a small ball was her secret weapon in the contest. She waved the ball, which Jaden likes to play with, to get Jaden to trot toward her.
"That, and candy," said Livsey.
The Livseys won a $50 gift basket and, if there's any candy in it, Jaden will probably eat it all, said his mom.
Webster said the Diaper Derby, which was launched in 2010, was a big success.
"We had double the babies signed up (this year)," said Webster.
She was also surprised at how many people came to watch the Diaper Derby, but figures that cute kids and their parents are a big draw.