Take the rain barrel decorating challenge

August 13, 2008

(Red Deer, Alberta) – Local media are taking The City’s rain barrel decorating challenge and you can too. Put your creative juices to work and prove you have the best looking rain barrel on the block.

Citizens are invited to decorate their rain barrels and send in a photo for the chance to win an additional rain barrel. “It’s all about having fun, being creative and helping us get one step closer to a more sustainable Red Deer,” said Andrea Pagee, Water Conservation Specialist.

Photos of the rain barrels decorated by media will be posted on The City’s website next week. Public can go online and vote for the barrel they like best or stop by the Alexander Way Festival on August 23 where the rain barrels will be displayed. “Rain barrels decorated by the media may give citizens some ideas as to how they can decorate their rain barrel,” said Pagee.

The public rain barrel decorating challenge runs until August 31 when all participants are entered into the rain barrel draw.

“It doesn’t matter whether you have purchased a new rain barrel or you just want to pretty up your old one,” said Pagee. “We encourage everyone to participate and send us their creative designs.”

People interested in purchasing rain barrels from The City can visit Kerry Wood Nature Centre at 6300 45 Avenue starting August 16. Rain barrels are sold for $70 on a first come first serve basis.

Decorated rain barrels should not interfere with the safety of the barrel. This includes things like ensuring rain barrels stay covered and remain child and mosquito-proof.

Entries need to contain a photo of the decorated rain barrel with the owner’s name and contact information. Participants may be asked for permission regarding the use of their photo online or in City of Red Deer promotional material.

Entries can be submitted by mail or e-mail to:

Rain Barrel Decorating Challenge
City of Red Deer Environmental Services
Box 5008
Red Deer, AB T4N 3T4

environmentalservices@reddeer.ca

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For further information about the contest, contact

Andrea Pagee                                       or                           Tara Shand
Water Conservation Specialist                                              Communications Officer
The City of Red Deer                                                            The City of Red Deer
403-342-8754                                                                       403-309-8594