MIKEY HIRANO CULROSS/Rafu Shimpo
Melanie Kha is all smiles at the Nisei Week Baby Show. This year’s show will be held at the San Fernando Valley Japanese Community Center.

The 2024 Nisei Week Baby Show will be held on Saturday, July 20, at the San Fernando Valley Japanese Community Center, 12953 Branford St., Arleta (note new location).
Children 1 year to 6 years of age are encouraged to enter this great family event in one of three categories:

Tiny Tots – 1 year to 23 months old (check-in 9 a.m./judging at 10 a.m.)

Romper Stompers – 2 to 3 years old (check-in 11 a.m./judging at 12 p.m.)

Jet Setters – 4 to 6 and 1 month (check-in 1 p.m./judging at 2 p.m.)

Price is $60 per pre-entry (application must be received by July 10 for pre-entry price) with walk-in fee at $65. All entrants must be of at least one-quarter Japanese ancestry.

The prince and princess of each division will receive a crown, trophy, sash and special prizes. A panel of judges, who are notable and leaders in the Japanese American community, will select winners.

There will also be other award categories to be presented, including a Most Photogenic Contest, but you must be preregistered and photos must be submitted with application by Friday, July 10. The pictures will be returned to you on the day of the Baby Show.
The prince and princess in each division, plus the most photogenic winner, will have an opportunity to ride on the Choo Choo Train in the 82nd Nisei Week Grand Parade to be held on Sunday, Aug. 11, at 4 p.m. in Little Tokyo.

All participants will receive a color portrait photo by Toyo Miyatake, goodie bags filled with wonderful gifts, and a personalized certificate of participation.

Applications are available at NiseiWeek.org. For more information, contact the Nisei Week Office at [email protected] or (213) 687-7193.