Area high school students with a knack for creativity have the opportunity to craft a piece of art to be reused for years. COUNTRY Financial and Chicago Farmers Markets invite artistic students to submit a design for 2016 reusable canvas bags, which will be distributed throughout the farmers markets’ season. The theme for the ninth annual reusable bag design contest is “Our Farms, Your Tables,” and students are encouraged to incorporate the city of Chicago with imagery seen at the market such as fruits, vegetables, flowers and more. The designs must match the theme and include “2016 Chicago Farmers Markets” in the imagery. The winning entry and two runners up will be announced opening day of the Chicago Farmers Markets, May 12, at Daley Plaza. First place wins the honor of having his/her artwork printed on all reusable bags and receives a $1,000 scholarship from COUNTRY Financial. Runners up will each receive a $500 scholarship with their designs on display at the unveiling event. All entries are due by 4 p.m. Monday, April 11 and can be submitted to:

COUNTRY Financial Reusable Bag Contest
Attn. Yescenia Mota, 1st Floor, Room 108
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.
Chicago, Illinois 60602

For more information, contact your school’s administration or visit www.CountryFarmersMarkets.com for official contest rules and instructions.