Cute, Patriotic Babies Compete at Proud American Days

Proud American Days held its annual baby contest in the family entertainment tent on Saturday morning. There were 88 participants this year.

Lauren Lotz of the New Lenox Park District said she's grateful to Bank Financial for their financial support of the baby contest. The bank provides the judges, trophies, all the little goodies (bubbles and toys) the kids play with, water bottles and juice cups. It also provides the grand prize: a $200 savings bond.

The grand prize went to 5-month-old Kacey Weaver. Her mom, Nikki Feret, said the couple had planned to shop at Jewel on Saturday and thought they'd swing by the baby contest, just for fun. "Our friends always told us that we should enter her in a contest," she said.

Kacey's father, Steve Weaver, said that "more contests may be in her future." The adorable blue-eyed baby girl was quite composed and quiet throughout the competition. She had no comment at this time. 

Check out the photo gallery to see the contestants on stage and behind the scenes. If you have your own photos from Proud American Days, add them to our gallery by logging into the site and clicking "Add Photos" beneath the current pictures.