MITCHELL — Mitchell was filled with some of its smallest and cutest Persimmon Festival participants Sunday as the 2026 Itty Bitty Persimmon Baby Contest brought plenty of smiles, proud parents, and adorable little contestants to Burris Elementary School.
Held Sunday, Sept. 20, the annual contest gave babies and toddlers from newborns through age 3 their chance to take the spotlight as part of the Mitchell Persimmon Festival.
Contestants competed in age and gender divisions, with first, second, and third-place honors awarded in each category. Queen’s Choice selections were also announced.
From tiny newborns to energetic 3-year-olds, the competition showcased some of the youngest members of the community — and provided plenty of memorable moments along the way.
The 2026 Itty Bitty Persimmon Baby Contest results are:
2-3 years, girls
- First: Jade Green
- Second: Margaux Fenison
- Third: Remyi Duke
- Queen’s Choice: Journee Baker
2-3 years, boys
- First and Queen’s Choice: Kolson Mikels
13-23 months, girls
- First: Serenity Fentress
- Second: Kalli Hatcher
- Third: Adalaya Brothers
- Queen’s Choice: Harper Haley
13-23 months, boys
- First: Bohdi Riddle
- Second: Elijah Mikels
- Third: Theodore Seals
- Queen’s Choice: Gatlin Kimble
7-12 months, girls
- First: June Simpson
- Second: Sophie Harrison
- Third: Camile Cano
- Queen’s Choice: Joanna Johnson
7-12 months, boys
- First: Noah Kern
- Second: Braylen Hayes
- Third: Archer King
- Queen’s Choice: Easton Pridemore
4-6 months, girls
- First: Amelia Jones-Middleton
- Second: Lainey Hatcher – Not Pictured
- Third: Nia Strauser
- Queen’s Choice: Lainey Hatcher
4-6 months, boys
- First: Moses Speer
- Second: Winston Ward
- Third: Cooper Cassidy
- Queen’s Choice: Zander Hall
- Queen’s Choice: Oliver Carlisle
0-3 months, girls
- First and Queen’s Choice: Embrey Seals
0-3 months, boys
- First: Landon Mundy
- Second: Maddox Mitchell
- Third: Shepherd Simpson
- Queen’s Choice: Jade Arthur
With tiny contestants, big smiles, and plenty of hometown pride, the Itty Bitty Persimmon Baby Contest once again provided one of the sweetest traditions of the Mitchell Persimmon Festival.
