By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Submissions are open for the annual KSU Watersheds and city of Hays water poster contest.
The 2024 theme is “Know Your Water.”
"Believe it or not, this is our 10th-annual water poster contest for the city of Hays," said Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist.
"The goal of the contest is to raise awareness of water conservation and water quality issues while gathering really awesome artwork and unique displays from community members at the same time."
Day cares, pre-schools, USD 489, Holy Family Elementary, Thomas More Prep-Marian and home-school students, ages pre-school through 12th grade, students, faculty, and staff at Fort Hays State University and NCK Tech, and adults in the city of Hays are eligible to participate.
There is also an intellectual/development disabilities division for youth through adults.
"Posters could show how to reduce water usage indoors, outdoors, and/or at home and work. Also, posters might share how to reduce sediment, nutrients, and E. coli bacteria, household chemicals, other things that are harmful to water sources," said Dickman. Both water conservation and stormwater/water quality can be highlighted on the same poster.
Posters must be horizontal, designed on 12-by-18-inch white poster paper with the words “Know Your Water” included.
Posters may be designed with pencils, paints, pens, crayons and markers or may be computer-generated. Name, age and the teacher's name, if applicable, must be included on the back of the poster.
Poster paper is available for pick-up at the Public Works Department, 1002 Vine St., during regular business hours.
Prize money will be awarded to first- through third-place winners in each age division.
Winning posters will be displayed at Tri-Central Office Supply, 1101 Main, during the month of May and at the Ellis County Fair.
Posters are due by Wednesday, March 6, at school offices, city hall or the Public Works Department. Winners will be announced by March 29, and the awards celebration will be at 6 p.m. on April 4 at the Sternberg Museum.
To learn more about water conservation and stormwater/water quality for poster ideas, visit www.watersmarthays.com or www.MyKansasWatershed.com.
For more information, call Holly Dickman, city of Hays Water Conservation Specialist, at 785-628-7350 or Stacie Minson, KSU Watershed Specialist, at 785-769-3297.