Little Humans Can Win Big Prizes in SWW Fair Diaper Derby

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The annual KELA/KMNT Diaper Derby is possibly the most unpredictable contest at the Southwest Washington Fair.

“It’s a good, family-friendly event,” said Larry Miner, who is the general manager at KELA/KMNT. “The moms and dads are pretty proud of their toddlers that are typically somewhere around a year old. They’re going to the fair for the day and they think this is kind of a cool thing to do.” 

For the past 25 years or so, KELA/KMNT has hosted the event. Miner isn’t sure how many babies he expects this year, but said there are usually around 35.

“I don’t have any control over the birth rate in Lewis County, but in the past there have been as many as 50 or 60,” Miner said.

Babies must be 14 months or younger and are required to crawl the entire way on their hands and knees. Although the stakes are high in the Diaper Derby, results are usually left up to chance.

“I don’t think there is any kind of training for it,” said Pat Slusher, who does marketing for the fair.

Parents are allowed to coax their babies with toys, but must stay behind the finish line.



“It’s just a lot of fun to see all the parents trying to coax their kids all the way across that stage,” Slusher said. “It’s a very popular event. It always has a full house for the audience and they get as many entries as they can possibly handle.”

First, second and third place winners of the event receive prizes such as hotel stays or tickets to Mariners games. KELA/KMNT is still assembling prizes for this year’s competition, but every contestant receives a tote bag.

“It’s fun,” Miner said. “You can’t help but smile when you’re watching it.”

Slusher said not all parents are willing to leave their baby’s win up to chance.

“(The best part is) watching parents trying to coax their kids and their kids ignore them,” Slusher said. “All kids are different. Some catch on right away and some don’t.”

The Diaper Derby will take place on Thursday, Aug. 16 on Stage South. Parents can sign up their babies at 11 a.m. The races begin at noon.