Button Design Contest

Theme

Well now, friends, I’m SID (Sequim Irrigation Dude), and I reckon D.R. “Crazy” Callen might’ve been called worse than crazy for believing water could be coaxed from the Dungeness River across this dry prairie and into the Sequim-Dungeness Valley. But when that first headgate lifted in 1895, it didn’t just send water down a ditch—it sent a future flowing through this valley. That’s why in 2027 the 132nd Sequim Irrigation Festival is more than a celebration; it’s a tradition honoring the grit, vision, and neighborly spirit that helped build this community. I’m tipping my hat and hollerin’ a hearty welcome to all: come “Set Down Your Roots and Kick Up Your Boots” with us and celebrate the story of how water became wealth right here in Sequim.

Contest rules

1. Students in 1st–5th grade who live or attend school within the Sequim School District boundaries may enter.
2. Entrants must be available to attend all events outlined in the prize section.
3. Art may be created in any non-computer-generated medium; color is encouraged. Submit it on 8½ × 11-inch white paper.
4. The winning design must include the tagline “2027 Set Down Your Roots and Kick Up Your Boots” exactly as submitted; the design will be reduced only to fit the button.
5. Put the designer’s first and last name, grade, teacher, school, parent/guardian name, and phone number on the back of each entry. Do not include other personal information.
6. A maximum of two entries per student will be accepted. A replacement form or white paper with the required information on the back may be used.
7. Entries are due January 14, 2027, to the student’s teacher, or may be mailed to Irrigation Festival Button Contest, P.O. Box 2073, Sequim, WA 98382. Mailed entries must be postmarked by January 14, 2027.
8. Winners will attest to originality and release rights for use of the design for the 2027 Irrigation Festival. The original design must be created for the 2027 festival; the festival reserves the right to retain all submitted artwork.
9. The judges’ decision is final and will be made on or before February 3, 2027.

Prize package

The selected student artist will receive:

• A ride in the 2027 Irrigation Festival Grand Parade on May 8; details will be provided for the winner.
• Lunch for the winner and up to three friends, either via the Royalty Carriage or a gift certificate.
• A professional photo with the festival photographer in February; date and time to be announced.
• Two tickets to the Festival Pageant on February 20, 2027.
• Dinner for three at the Festival Kickoff Dinner on March 20, 2027; additional details will be provided later.
• Artwork and artist bio featured in the Information Booth and Festival Program.

Questions

Call or text Emma Rhodes at (360) 460-7091, or email info@irrigationfestival.com with “Attn: Button Contest” in the subject line.