Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Baby photo's requested for Farmer's Day contest

My you have a beautiful baby!

The Farmer’s Day Baby Photo Contest has been an annual favorite for decades, but since 2014 the contest has taken on a new format.

According to Kim Sharples, coordinator for the contest, in 2013 parents would bring baby photos to a central location. At that time she suggested submitting photos via email because some parents could not provide printed photos.

“I think in years past they used to have a time when they actually brought children in, but I don’t think it worked well for them to do it that way,” Sharples added.

Since 2014, submissions for the Farmer’s Day Baby Photo Contest have been taken electronically with just one entry allowed per child. Children pictured must reside in Kimball or Banner County and categories are newborn to 11 months, 12-20 months and 21-36 months of age.

When a parent submits a child’s photos, that parent agrees to allow the use of the photo for promotional purposes, according to Sharples, and therefore photos submitted must not have copyright restrictions. Photos may be shared via Facebook, online, in newspapers and other media.

Three independent judges from outside the Kimball and Banner County area will critique the photos based on the number of distractions in the photo, if the youngster is facing the camera, as well as the expression and personality in the photo.

“Three independent judges from outside Kimball and Banner Counties prevent conflict of interest,” Sharples said.

Photos should include only the tot being entered and entries, in jpg. format, must include the child’s name, date of birth, age in months as well as the parents’ names, cell phone numbers and address.

Submissions must be received at [email protected] by Sept. 2.

Small awards or gifts are given to the winners which the Farmer’s Day Committee purchases locally and according to Sharples, parents are invited to ride a Baby Contest float, sponsored by Z&S for the Farmer’s Day Parade.