AURELIUS - The contestants had the looks and personalities not only a mother could love, but an audience as well. And they did Saturday night at the Sunburst Beauty Pageant held at the Fingerlakes Mall.

The sizable crowd fanned back well into the food court, and was waved to the stage by adorable 10-month-old Kyleigh-Rose

Webber, of Fair Haven, resting in her proud daddy's arms,

and receiving warm applause in return.

Categories of competition ranged from under 1 year to age 27, with the top five eligible for the state final, scheduled to take place in Syracuse this May. All participants received trophies.

First-place winners additionally took home a crown, a banner, and the $250 entrance fee for the final.

“We actually had a girl a couple of years ago who came in last place at the local level,

and then went to the state final and was our overall queen. Different judges, different time,” explained Sunburst director Tonya Wright, herself the winner of 1995.

Babies, she explained, are judged on facial beauty, personality and overall appearance; older competitors go head-to-head on facial beauty, poise and projection.

The prize for state winner includes a $100,000 bond, and modeling opportunities. Between 15 and 20 percent of the state finalists are expected to be attendees of the pageants held in the Auburn area last fall, and Saturday night.

But many of the contestants attending the event had more humble aspirations.

“I'm very nervous. It was crazy getting her ready on time. But she's not - she loves it,” said Carrie Ames, of Auburn, referring to her daughter, Alexis, age 4. “She loves to get dressed up, look pretty; that's the only reason we're here. She said, ‘Mommy I look pretty, look at my hair.' It made me all teary-eyed.”

Adorable in her lilac dress, Alexis said, “It looks like a Cinderella dress,” her brunette ringlets bouncing as she spoke.

Ayla Evans, 6, of Palmyra, told all of her friends at school about the pageant she was going to be in, and someone asked her if she was going to be shy.

“Why would I be shy,” asked Ayla, pretty with her blond hair arranged under a pink sun hat, the brim turned up in front. “Someone's going to just ask me questions? I wanted to sing!”

Her younger brother, Logan, 1, also entered in the competition. He was distinguished-looking in his tie and suit jacket, sitting in his stroller.

But her older sister is keeping things in perspective. Does Ayla want to be a model when she grows up?

“I'm going to be a doctor,” she said.