Ant Farm Book, available now: Columns: Anita Todd
Five-year-old Alita Todd faces the audience after handing out a trophy during New Star Discovery's "Most Beautiful Baby" contest at Rosedale Mall in Roseville. Alita and her mother, Anita, travel throughout Minnesota to compete.
Anita: "With Alita winning the second top prize at state last year, we have to go out and represent. She hands out trophies and the crowns and stuff for the new regional winners. It kind of goes with the crown, just like Miss Minnesota, Miss America. It's part of her obligation, our obligation.
Right now, I'm getting ready for state. They have several different categories. You have to buy sportswear, swimwear, pajama wear, playwear, western wear, then the formal gown. I enjoy doing all the little dress-up and picking out her outfits. If she wins in a category, she not only won, but I won, too. It's like she's my finished product."