It’s been a Highland County Fair tradition for more than two decades and the SATH Cutie Pie and Cutie Pet Contest is back again this year.

Back in the 1990s Linda Allen was looking for ways to raise money for Supplemental Assistance to the Handicapped (SATH) when she came across a dog photos contest.

“I remember thinking whether I could take a cute dog contest and integrate that into something with kids since the Highland County Fair didn’t have a baby contest,” Allen said previously. “I just kind of took it from there. I was always looking for fundraisers back then and (SATH) didn’t do many, and fundraisers and donations are what SATH survives off of. Boy, it really blossomed.”

The 22nd annual contests run Sept. 3-10 at the Highland County Fair.

Contestants for the Cutie Pie Contest can be boys or girls ages 1 day to 6 years. There are separate categories for boys and girls, and three divisions (1 day to 12 months, 13 months to 23 months and 24 months to 6 years) in each category.

There is one lone category for pets.

To enter, submit a photo of your child or pet, with a $2 registration fee, to Cutie Pie Contest, P.O. Box 608, Lynchburg, Ohio 45142; or bring your photo to the fair and register at SATH’s Cutie Pie booth in the Wharton Building on the Highland County Fairgrounds.

For the Cutie Pie Contest, include the contestant’s name, birth date, address and phone number, along with a photo no larger than 4 inches by 6 inches.

For the Cutie Pet Contest, include the contestant’s name, owner’s name, address and phone number, along with a photo.

Each contestant’s picture will be on display at the SATH fair booth. Anyone wanting to vote for their favorite contestant can stop by the booth. Donations of a penny per vote are appreciated.

The contestants receiving the most votes in their division by 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 will be awarded tropes at the fair on Saturday, Sept. 10. Prizes will be given to the top three boys and girls in each age division with the overall winners receiving a crown or tiara.

All proceeds benefit SATH, a non-profit organization that assists in providing funds for programs designed to assist children with disabilities in achieving their full potential.

For more information, call Allen at 937-366-6657 or 937-364-6144.

“Come on out and drop off you pennies, nickels and dimes for your favorite entries and help other kids who are not so fortunate,” Allen said.

Reach Jeff Gilliland at 937-402-2522 or on Twitter @13gillilandj.