HERMISTON, Ore.-The Umatilla County Fair’s annual “Cutest Baby Contest” was August 15.
Presented by Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS), 75 babies up to 18 months old competed for the title of “cutest” on the Les Schwab stage.
Longtime radio host and Hermiston play-by-play broadcaster Erick Olson hosted the contest that has become a fair and community staple for the 18th time.
Umatilla County Public Health, Advanced Pediatric Dentistry, and Christianson Realty also sponsored the event.
“This is incredibly subjective,” Olson said of the contest. “They’re all the cutest and best behaved. The judges have a very difficult challenge.”
Ashley Christiansen, FNP, Maria Holden, PA, and Sanyi Abdissa, PA, all with Good Shepherd Primary Care, served as judges.
Bluey from the beloved children’s TV show served as a guest judge and presented the “best behaved baby” award.
Babies and one of their guardians paraded in front of the judges to start the contest.
“Look cute, happy, majestic, pristine; look as your grandparents think of you,” said Olson, as the parade got underway.
After the parade of babies, the field was narrowed to the final 15, who then paraded again before the judges made their decision.
In the end, 15-month-old Gianna Paulime was crowned “Cutest Baby” of 2026.
“It feels good, we’re very proud,” said Gianna’s father, Christmanuel.
Two years ago, the Paulime’s older son earned runner-up honors at the cutest baby contest, but Saturday was Gianna’s time to shine.
“Well, we’d already decided she was cute,” said Gianna’s mother, Megan Paulime. “And everybody always says she’s cute. I guess it’s true.”
Gianna took home a Radio Flyer wagon full of toys from Good Shepherd, a Mercedes Benz Power Wheels, and, of course, the “Cutest Baby” trophy.
Baby Oscar, contestant #30 earned the “Best Behaved” award.
All participants received a GSHCS diaper bag, and other runner-up finishers included, contestant #6 Mateo, contestant #22 Patrick, and contestant #13 Kylo.
More information about GSHCS Primary Care and Pediatrics is available online. More information about the Umatilla County Fair is also available online.
