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THE CUTEST LITTLE BABY FACE

Dimples were their main weapons for melting hearts. Ruffled skirts, hair ribbons, little knickers, jackets and ties were part of their offense. It was a tough competition because all the contestants were winners in their parents` hearts at the Proud American Days Baby Contest in New Lenox last weekend.

Under the big top tent were big smiles along with waves, goo-goos and ga- gas and a whole lot of aahs.

Personality, cooperation and appearance were what the judges looked for, according to judge Shirley Rachan of Lemont, whose daughter Tanya, now 26 months, was last year`s top baby.

”Pretty much I look for if they want to be up there, if they`re excited and cooperate,” said Rachan, who revealed her daughter`s winning secret: She blew kisses to the audience.

It seems the trick is to coach the babies from the audience. A wave from grandma can usually get a smile, a face from a brother or sister may get a baby to dance a little jig.

”Ham” seemed to be the word parents of contestants used most frequently in describing their children.

Cherilyn Carter, 1, is already an old hand at beauty contests; this was her second contest in her 10 months, according to her mom, Lori, of New Lenox. About 60 kids, aged 6 months to 36 months, were entered in the contest, which was part of the three-day Proud American Days celebration at the Lions Community Center. The annual Proud American Days is sponsored by the New Lenox Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the New Lenox Park District.

The cutest little baby face, by vote of the judges if not competitors`

parents, was 33-month-old Courtney Ann Schrank, daughter of Jane and Harold Schrank of New Lenox.