Recorder Fourth of July Kids' Coloring Contest

Introduction

In celebration of Independence Day, The Recorder hosted its annual Fourth of July Kids' Coloring Contest, inviting young artists to showcase their creativity and patriotism through vibrant hues.

Guidelines

The contest was open to children of all ages, with two categories: ages 4 and under, and ages 5 to 8. Participants were provided a downloadable coloring page featuring patriotic symbols, such as the American flag, bald eagle, and fireworks.

Submission Process

Parents and guardians were tasked with submitting the completed entries by email or mail. Each submission required the child's name, age, and contact information.

Judging Criteria

A panel of judges from The Recorder evaluated the submissions based on overall creativity, use of color, and adherence to the contest theme. The judges sought to reward entries that exhibited originality, artistic skill, and a love for their country.

Winning Entries

After careful deliberation, the judges selected the following exceptional entries as the winners:

Age 4 and Under

First Place: Lily Smith, age 3 (Claverack)
Second Place: Ethan Jones, age 4 (Stuyvesant)
Third Place: Sophia Garcia, age 3 (Hudson)

Ages 5 to 8

First Place: Claire Wilson, age 7 (Kinderhook)
Second Place: Emily Carter, age 6 (Catskill)
Third Place: Benjamin Davis, age 8 (Germantown)

Honorable Mentions

In recognition of their outstanding submissions, the judges also awarded Honorable Mentions to the following young artists:

Age 4 and Under

Ava Miller, age 4 (Valatie)
Jacob Rodriguez, age 3 (New Lebanon)
Chloe Brown, age 3 (Ghent)

Ages 5 to 8

Sarah Robinson, age 7 (Coxsackie)
Matthew Thomas, age 6 (Athens)
Abigail Smith, age 8 (Copake)

Prizes and Recognition

All winning entries received a framed copy of their artwork and a special prize pack. The First Place winners were additionally featured in The Recorder newspaper and on its website.

Community Impact

The Recorder's Fourth of July Kids' Coloring Contest not only showcased the artistic talents of young community members but also fostered a sense of patriotism and civic pride. The contest served as a platform for children to express their love for their country and celebrate the spirit of Independence Day.

Conclusion

The Recorder Fourth of July Kids' Coloring Contest was a resounding success, bringing together young artists and their families for a festive celebration of creativity and patriotism. The winning entries and honorable mentions are a testament to the imagination and artistic abilities of children in the community, inspiring a sense of joy, unity, and national pride.