The Little Traveler Celebrates Centennial With Jingle Contest

GENEVA, IL — Steadfast Geneva business The Little Traveler is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. To honor its centennial, the shop is holding a jingle contest.

People wanting to participate in the contest, which kicked off Tuesday, have until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 14 to submit a jingle.

"Take inspiration from our history, favorite features of the Traveler, good times you've shared here with friends & family, and show us what you've got," reads the shop's contest description.

The grand-prize-winning jingle will get "lots of airtime" — since the shop plans to share it on social media and at its 100-year celebration Sept. 22 — and a $500 gift card to the shop, located at 404 S. Third Street.

Additional prizes will be awarded in three other categories, too: ages 5-12, 13-17, and 18 and over. In each division, first- and second-place winners will be chosen to receive $100 and $50 gift cards, respectively, to The Little Traveler.

Tunes will be evaluated by four judges: Larry Dieffenbach, a professional musician; Terry Emma, director of the Geneva History Museum; Betsy Koepnick, special events coordinator at The Little Traveler; and Mike Simon, owner of The Little Traveler. Lyrics will be judged based on content, catchiness and relevance to the store, while music will be scored based on originality and creativity.

RELATED: Upcoming Geneva History Museum Exhibit Features Century-Old Shop

A few rules apply for submitting a catchy tune, according to the shop:

• The jingle should last for between 30 and 60 seconds.
• The content should be appropriate for all audiences.
• Only one submission by the participant is allowed.
• Do not use copyrighted music. While every good jingle needs a catchy tune, please do not use any existing copyrighted music, songs or jingles.
• There will be no notification to participants of those jingles that do not win.
• By submitting a jingle, the participant warrants that:
  • They are 18 or have parent permission.
  • Their entry is original.
  • Their entry does not infringe upon any Intellectual Property Rights of any third party.