Generations of cuteness

In 1968, Bonnie Langseth watched with pride as her daughter Tonya Collier — then a 2-year-old with big blue eyes, curly brown hair and a blue sailor dress — was crowned the cutest baby in Costa Mesa by a panel of judges at the annual Fish Fry carnival.

Then in 1987, Tonya’s daughter, Tara, won an honorable mention in the same contest.

Now, 41 years and two generations after the first triumph, Tara’s infant daughter and Bonnie’s great granddaughter Sophia will attempt to capture the same prize her grandmother took home all those years ago while her distinguished family members sit on the sideline Sunday afternoon.

The family has high hopes. Bonnie says Sophia looks just like Tonya when she won the contest in 1968. The great grandmother has been searching for newspaper clippings from the time to prove that the curly brown hair and sparkling blue eyes that impressed the judges are the same.

Bonnie has been trying to act as a wardrobe consultant for Sophia. She thinks the outfit that a baby wears is of paramount importance and the younger generations have some funny fashion sensibilities.

“If they dress her anywhere near the way her grandmother was dressed I think she’ll walk off with first place,” Bonnie said.

Tonya shares her mother’s confidence. As a past winner, she said the distinction is more of a coup for the mother than the child. Tonya doesn’t bring her victory up in conversation or put it on résumés, but her mom always mentions it.

This year’s contest is at 1 p.m. at Lions Park off Newport Boulevard at 18th Street.

So what’s the strategy this time around? Accentuate the winning qualities that propelled Tonya to victory.

“I’m going to play off of her naturally curly hair and blue eyes. I think I’m putting her in a blue summer dress that really brings out her eyes,” Tara — a hairdresser by trade — said.

If You Go

WHAT: The Fish Fry carnival

WHERE: Lions Park in Costa Mesa: Park Street between 18th and 19th avenues

WHEN: Tonight (rides only) 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

COST: Free admission; prices vary for food and rides.