MORE than 100 babies took part at yesterday's Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North babyshow in Labasa.
The show sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and Punja and Sons Limited saw mothers travelling from as far as Wailevu, Vunika, Waiqele and Seaqaqa outside Labasa Town with their babies to be a part of the annual event at the Civic Centre building.
Show chairwoman Nanise Gucake said this year's show was better compared to the past years because it saw the participation of healthy and energetic babies.
"The first category was for babies between three and six months, the second between nine and 12 months and the third from 12 to 36 months," Ms Gucake said.
"We are fortunate that we have nurses and other health experts assisting us with the judging criteria. We are pleased with the good turnout and we hope it will continue in the coming years," she said.
Ms Gucake said the objective of the show was to involve infants in the week-long festival. "As adults, youths and children are enjoying themselves in the festival, we also want our babies to have a taste of the celebration," she said.
Johnson & Johnson Labasa representative Abdul Hakim said they were delighted to be sponsoring the show in the past years.
He said the company was happy to be among some healthy and beautiful babies. "We spent more than $6000 for the prizes and we are so grateful to the mothers and the committees for making this show a reality." Mr Hakim said all 111 babies would be given a gift each from the company.
Today
* 1pm-3pm: Float Procession through Labasa Town to Subrail Park;
* Float procession winner;
* Crowning of Miss Personality;
* Entertainment;
* 7pm-10pm: Global Night-Crowning of Miss Photogenic, Mr and Miss Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North 2012;
* Entertainment