When will first baby arrive?

The first baby born in Barry County next year will once again have the opportunity to win a bundle of gifts donated by local businesses. The Cassville Democrat will host its 17th annual First Baby contest this year.

Each year, the newspaper, with the help of nearly a dozen local business sponsors, awards a bounty of prizes to the family of the first child born in the county on Jan. 1.

This year's sponsors and gifts include: a special gift from Barry Electric Cooperative; a baby ring from Tomblin's; a special surprise from Designs by Debbie; a $50 gift card from Fastrip; a surprise package from Cassville First Baptist Church; a surprise gift package from Freedom Bank; a supply of disposable diapers from Security Bank; a $50 savings bond from First State Bank; a special baby gift from St. John's Hospital-Cassville; a special surprise from Ball and Prier Tire; a special baby gift basket from Walmart; and a baby book and a year's subscription from the Cassville Democrat.

To enter the First Baby Contest, bring or mail a postcard with the parents' names, address, telephone number; baby's name; and the date, time and place of the baby's birth to: First Baby Contest, Cassville Democrat, P.O. Box 486, Cassville, MO 65625.

The First Baby Contest winner will receive a notarized certificate to present to all participating sponsors. A photo of Barry County's first baby will be published in the Cassville Democrat.

In the event of a tie, the First Baby Contest winner will be determined by a random drawing. The winning baby's parents must reside in Barry County.