Color me a Geckofest fan

OK, so we’re between the Supers, and I’m looking for some colorful relief. Here’s an item that’s nothing but fun –- and should help brighten up our town.

The Bradenton Geckofest is back, with gusto. Throughout town, you see vibrant geckos hanging from the walls of businesses –- sponsors for each creature that will be auctioned off to raise money for our local arts community.

The original Geckofest was a blast in 2006 –- and yes, I fell culprit to a gecko at that auction. I am the proud owner of a beautiful cut-glass gecko that graces the high-arched wall in my living room.

So as the date draws near for this encore, sections editor Jana Morreale knew I’d be on board for our own gecko contest. Because the auction's funds will go a long way in helping guarantee that our schoolchildren will continue to be exposed to cultural activities and arts learning, we decided to ask them to color the next-best Gecko of Manatee County. The Bradenton GeckoFest 2008 loved the idea, and is sponsoring it with us.

We think we have a hit. We just announced the Geckofest Coloring Contest last week and on the A&E cover Sunday. And this morning, more than 100 entry forms had already been picked up at the Herald’s front desk.

The forms are available at the Bradenton Herald offices: 102 Manatee Ave. W. OR 11121State Road 70 E. And you can go here online for a form, too.

Entries will be judged by local artists.

The rules:
AGE CATEGORIES: 3-5 years, 6-8 years and 9-12 years

PRIZES: The first-place winner in each category will receive an engraved plaque, their winning entries framed, and a $25 gift certificate from Keeton's. Second-place winner in each category gets a $20 gift certificate from Keeton's and third-place winners get $10 gift certificate from Keeton's.

Winners will be published in the March 9 Bradenton Herald.

HOW TO SUBMIT: Deadline to enter is Feb. 25. All entries must include your name, age, address and phone number. Submit entries to either Bradenton Herald office or mail to Geckofest Coloring Contest, c/o Jana Morreale, P.O. Box 921, Bradenton 34206.

Get out the crayons!

Joan