Who knew there were so many upcoming contests in our area guaranteed to satisfy the competitive spirit of everyone, from children to adults?
If you enjoy keeping your eye on the prize and want to compete for a coveted trophy, recognition or cash award, check out the upcoming contests below.
The Buffalo Grove Arts Commission and American Enterprise Bank are sponsoring the 2017 Youth Art Calendar Competition. The entry deadline is 5 p.m. Oct. 14. The judging categories for both public and private schools in our community are broken down into grades first and second, third and fourth, fifth and sixth, seventh and eighth, ninth and 10th, and 11th and 12th.
All artists need to submit an original work that will be judged on creativity and execution. The theme for the contest is anything relating to the month selected — holidays, seasonal, etc. No religious themes will be included. There will be 12 First Place winners (one for each month) who will receive $50 from American Enterprise Bank and a reproduction of their work in the 2017 Community Youth Art Calendar.
Two Grand Prize winners, who will have their work featured on the front and back cover of the calendar, also will receive $100 each from American Enterprise Bank.
A panel selected by the arts commission will do the judging. On Nov. 17, all students who entered the competition will be invited to an evening reception and art showing at American Enterprise Bank, 600 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove.
For entry information, visit www.americanenterprisebank.com.
The arts commission also is looking for Halloween lovers of all ages to compete in their inaugural “Halloween Yard Decorating Contest.” Contest entries will be accepted through Oct. 20 from Buffalo Grove residents who think they have the spookiest-looking yard.
Judging will be based on quality and craftsmanship, design, creativity, uniqueness and originality. The winner, first- and second runner-up will be informed by Oct. 31, and they will receive yard signs and ribbons.
Entry details and competition rules are available on the Buffalo Grove website, www.vbg.org.
Fans of 1980s music should buy a ticket to the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan for the legendary concert of Survivor on Oct. 29. The performance includes special guests John Waite and A Flock of Seagulls.
Not only will there be fantastic music, you also can win prizes by entering into a 1980s costume contest. They’re looking for the perfect dude, dudette and couple who best capture that special 1980s look. Bring your big hair, leggings, parachute pants, “Miami Vice” look and everything else that takes you back to the decade of excess.
The best dude and dudette will win $250 each and the best couple will win $500. For contest information, email [email protected].
If you’re a trivia pro, don’t miss the “Trivia Night” fundraiser sponsored by the Buffalo Grove Police Department. This fun-filled event benefiting Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois starts at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 inside Continental Restaurant, 788 S. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove.
The registration fee of $25 a player includes food, a cash bar and raffle prizes.
Teams of eight people will compete in 10 rounds of trivia covering a variety of fun topics. The winning team will receive a fabulous “traveling trophy.” Sponsorship opportunities are available, as well.
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To register, visit www.vbg.org or contact Melessa Horbus at [email protected]. For information, call 847-459-2575.
Aileen Simons is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press. Reach her at [email protected]