OSKALOOSA – Back by popular demand, the Diaper Derby is returning to the Southern Iowa Fair in Oskaloosa on Saturday, July 23. The event will be held at the Free Stage starting at 9 am.

Participants can register the day of the event, starting at 8:30 am. Sponsors of the Diaper Derby are Oskaloosa Fareway, Mahaska Drug and Modern Floor Covering.

It will consist of three events: The Fastest Crawler, The Fastest Walker, and The Most Creative Decorated Diaper. All contestants must be less than two years of age as of July 23, 2022. Fairway Manager John Stearns, one of the event organizers, said that for the Diaper Derby races, contestants can only enter one: Fastest Crawler or Fastest Walker. “To qualify for the Fastest Crawler race, the contestant must not walk any part of the race,” Stearns explained.

“The kiddos cannot be touched once the race begins, but parents or family members can get on the ‘racetrack’ rug to encourage them to move quickly. Sometimes even bribing with food or a toy works.”

Depending on the number of participants, there will be ‘heats’ run to find the fastest, followed by a walk off or crawl off. Prizes will be awarded to every contestant, and a First-Place trophy will be awarded to the winner in each category. Second and Third Place ribbons also will be awarded in each category.

The Decorated Diaper Contest will be held after the races, and race participants can also enter this contest. According to Deb Van Engelenhoven of Mahaska Drug, all contestants must be in a decorated diaper attire, disposable or cloth. “You may design a costume around the diaper, but the diaper itself must be visible for judging.

“It’s always entertaining to see how creative the parents can be,” Van Engelenhoven said. “Judging for the Most Creative Diaper will be based on originality of design, creativity, public appeal and overall effect.”

Prizes will be awarded to every contestant. A First-Place trophy will be awarded to the winner, and Second and Third place ribbons will be awarded. The decision of the judges in all the contests will be final.