Christmas Tree Contest Sponsorship

Each year the Prairie Woods Nature Center Host a Christmas Tree Decorating Contest Thanksgiving-New Years. Participants are Sioux County nonprofits and classrooms (grades 3, 4 and 5). Voting is open to any visitor. No fee to view or vote, one vote per person per visit. Two amazing prizes to be won!

Interested in participating in this great event?

Step One– Entry Application

Contact Nature Center to enter! SCCF will give the participant a gift card for purchasing supplies. Any money left over after purchasing supplies are for the organization to use elsewhere.

Step Two– Planning and Production

Check your collection. Do you have an artificial tree, tree skirt, light and extra decorations or will they need to be borrowed or purchased? Create home-made ornaments/decorations with this year’s special item. Involve as many people as you can! This special item may be cut, painted, taped, manipulated, attached to other objects etc., as long as it is a part of every home-made ornament/decoration. You are not limited to just one “design” in your ornament collection.  At least 75% of the trees’ decorations must be home-made, please no glitter anywhere.

Step Three– Set Up

Make arrangements to have volunteers set up your tree or drop off tree and decorations. Trees Due to building by Dec 14. Set Up Option: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday 9-4pm OR by appointment. Drop Off Option (week before) Tree and decorations should be delivered to the Prairie Woods  Nature Center during open hours. Prairie Woods Nature Center Volunteers will set up your tree for you the week of Thanksgiving. Contact us at 712-552-3057 if neither option works, we can send someone for pick up!

Step Four– Vote

Encourage people through newsletters, social media, email etc. to go and vote for your tree! Contest runs Christmas break during Nature Center’s open hours. No fee to view or vote, one vote per person per visit.

Step Five– Take Down

Take down/pick up your tree the week after voting closes during the Nature Center Hours OR by appointment. Store pieces of your collection for next year’s competitions. Home-made ornaments can be sent home with   creators as next year’s home-made ornaments will require a new special item to be incorporated.

Contest Notes

• Grades 3, 4 and 5 may compete individually or as a school. Combinations will share the funding and prize.
• Organization will receive $100 for their collection: lights, extra ornaments, supplies or a tree if they need it. Any money the organization does not spend is theirs to keep and use in as organization sees fit.
• SCCF will provide signage, extension cords and timers at the time of set up.
• Artificial tree should not exceed 8 feet tall. Can be borrowed or bought. (Check out local thrift stores!)
• Two Awards to Win

People’s Choice—

Awarded to the tree with the most votes cast by Prairie Woods Nature Center visitors. Voting was open during the Christmas Break Event at Prairie Woods Nature Center.

Prize: Plaque and Exclusive Live Animal Program

 

Best in Show —

Awarded to the most creative ornaments chosen by current Sioux County Conservation Foundation’s Friends Members. Photos of ornaments (no names included-blind vote) will be rated 1-5 on the use of required item. Highest score wins.

Prize: Plaque and Exclusive Live Animal Program

 

Interested in sponsoring this great event?
Here are some ways you can get involved!

____ Candy Cane Hike/Silver ($25)
Three levels for our participants to try out on marked trail. Loop contains special hidden objects between sets of giant candy canes. Participants can enjoy their own candy cane treat while participating and hot coco after.

____ Family Activities/Bronze ($50)
Themed activities for individuals of all ages will be available downstairs inside the Prairie Woods Nature Center. Funds cover craft supplies and other materials needed for 300+ participants.

____ Christmas Tree Decorating Contest/Gold ($100 per tree)
Local grade schools and libraries and Sioux County No-profits compete in two categories: Best in Show and Peoples Choice. Each participant receive $100 dollars to help cover cost of craft supplies, tree, lights and promotion. Sponsors write check to SCCF, and SCCF passes on the full amount to the participants. Any money left over after supplies are purchased are for the organization to use as they see fit. You are welcome to sponsor as many trees as you like! Let’s fill the Nature Center with Christmas Trees!

Want to do more? Think about joining the our mission in providing resources for the enhancement, preservation, and enjoyment of nature in Sioux County by becoming a Friends Member at the Corporate Conservationist Level, $1,000. Membership dues can be added to the same check as contest.  All gifts are tax deductible.