Press Room

For Immediate Release
Student Essay and Poster Contest

$1,200 in Cash prizes, and Winners to be announced at DuPage Blue Fest in July

The Democratic Party of DuPage County is pleased to announce that they are sponsoring an essay and poster contest with a topic of the importance of exercising the right to vote in the upcoming November 2008 General Election. The contest will be open to all DuPage County students, elementary, middle, and high school, who are currently enrolled in any public or private school located within the boundaries of DuPage County.

Contest Topic: Students are asked to submit an essay or create a poster that best answers or represents the following question: "Describe or portray why it is important to exercise the right to vote in the upcoming 2008 general election."

Prizes: A first and second cash prize will be awarded for each school age child in elementary, middle, and high school levels. Each first place winner will receive $300, and each second place winner will receive $100.

Contest Rules: Posters can be of any medium, but no larger than 8 x 10 inches. Essays must be a minimum of 500 words, but no longer than 800 words.

Deadline: All entries must mailed to or dropped off at the Democratic Party of DuPage County Headquarters, 1000-7 Rohlwing Rd, Lombard, IL 60148 by Monday, June 30, 2008.

Winners: All finalists will be announced and prizes awarded at the upcoming "DuPage Blue Fest," Saturday, July 19, 2008, at Arabian Knights Farm, 6526 Clarendon Hills Rd, Willowbrook.

DuPage Blue Fest

Event: The DuPage Blue Fest is Saturday, July 19th ,from 12 noon until 10pm. DuPage Blue Fest will feature a day of family entertainment, attractions, food, music, and fun for all ages. For children there will be horse and pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and other fun activities. All ages can enjoy the music of four bands and tractor-drawn hay rides, and attendees will include high-profile guests from state and local political offices. The poster/essay award ceremony will take place at 2:15.

Tickets: Admission is open to the general public and tickets will be be available at the Democratic Party of DuPage County Headquarters or online at this site beginning Monday, June 2, 2008. Tickets in advance are $10 for adults , $5 for school-age (K-12) children and senior citizens 65-up. On the day of the event, tickets will be available at the door — $15 adult, $8 for school-age (K-12) children and senior citizens 65-up.

Contest Judging: Art finalists will be displayed at the "DuPage Blue Fest" and essay finalists will be asked to read their essays at the awards ceremony. All finalists must be present at the "DuPage Blue Fest" to receive their prizes.

Winners Announced: Winners will be announced and honored at a special ceremony beginning at the DuPage Blue Fest at 2:15 pm. Award will be presented by a top Democratic elected official from Illinois state government.

For more information about this press release, please contact:
Jeff Houston
630-279-1156
cell-541-331-1491