Annual Howard County Coloring Book Contest Accepting Entries Through Jan. 26

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Students in third through fifth grades are invited to participate in the annual Coloring Book Contest hosted by the Howard County’s Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services.

The coloring book contest promotes the importance of the three R’s: “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.”

“Not only is this contest a great opportunity for our children to showcase their artwork, but it also promotes practices to protect our environment at school, at home, in our community and in everyday life,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “I encourage all Howard County third, fourth and fifth graders to put on their creative artistic caps and show us what the three R’s mean to them.”

The annual contest allows students to demonstrate their awareness and appreciation for the environment. Drawings should be created on white, unlined 8.5 x 11-inch paper in black marker or ink – no color - and should show how each artist practices at least one of the three R’s. Designs will be judged on creativity and originality.

Completed drawings and contest entry forms are due by 5 p.m. Jan. 26 and can be hand delivered or mailed to Meleine Yao, Recycling Division, 9801 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046. For questions about this year’s contest, call 410-313-6434 or email myao@howardcountymd.gov. For complete contest rules, visit the bureau’s “Coloring Book Contest!” website or contact your child’s school art teacher.

The top 13 entries will be featured in a coloring book with the best in show appearing on the cover. Framed certificates also will be awarded to contest winners on April 13 at the county’s 17th Annual GreenFest at Howard Community College in Columbia. Copies of the coloring book will be available at GreenFest, as well as at the county’s Bureau of Environmental Services offices at 9801 Broken Land Parkway in Columbia, while supplies last.