Findlay Youth Invited to Enter Patriotic Banner Design Contest for U.S. 250th Anniversary

Findlay, Ohio – The City of Findlay is inviting local youth to help celebrate the 250^th Anniversary of the United States through an art competition. Youth in elementary, middle, and high school are encouraged to participate in a special banner design competition with the chosen banners to be displayed in the downtown area. 

Participants are asked to create artwork that reflects what American patriotism means to them. This is an opportunity for young artists to share their creativity and perspective while helping our community commemorate this historic milestone. 

A total of 22 winning designs will be selected, and the artwork will be transformed into banners that will be proudly displayed in downtown Findlay. The competition is open to youth in elementary, middle, and high school.

Participants must live in or attend school within Findlay City limits.   

Theme

Artwork should reflect “What American Patriotism Means to Me” in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Accepted Art Mediums

Students are encouraged to be creative in their approach. Artwork may be created using any medium, including but not limited to:

• Drawing (pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, ink) 
• Painting (watercolor, acrylic, etc.) 
• Digital illustration or graphic design 
• Mixed media 

If submitting physical artwork, it must be able to be clearly scanned or photographed for reproduction as a banner. Artwork should be flat (2D) and avoid materials that are fragile, highly textured, or three-dimensional. The use of red, white, and blue color palettes is not required but is preferred.

Artwork Size

• Recommended size: 8.5″ x 11″ or 11″ x 17″ 
• Artwork should be created in portrait (vertical) orientation, as banners will be displayed vertically. 

Digital File Specifications If submitting digitally:

• File types accepted: JPEG, PNG, or PDF 
• Minimum resolution: 300 DPI 

Content Restrictions

Artwork must be appropriate for public display and may not include:

• Political messaging or campaign-related imagery 
• Religious content 
• Inappropriate language or imagery 

Original Work

All submissions must be original artwork created by the student.

Banner Production

Winning designs will be digitally adapted for banner production, which may include minor adjustments to ensure proper sizing and formatting for display in the downtown area. All banners will include the OH250 logo as pictured below. 

Submission Information: 

• Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026
• Entries must include the student’s name, grade level, school, and contact information
• Submit digitally to mayor@findlayohio.gov or in person at the Mayor’s office (318 Dorney Plaza, Room 310) during regular business hours. 
• Winners to be notified Wednesday, May 6, 2026. 8 winners will be chosen from the K-5 grade category, 7 winners will be chosen from the 6-8 grade category, and 7 winners will be chosen from the 9-12 grade category.