Area students will soon have the chance to express their gratitude toward freedom in this country, along with winning some prizes.

Friday, March 29, 2002

Area students will soon have the chance to express their gratitude toward freedom in this country, along with winning some prizes.

The inaugural Freedom Fest in the Heartland essay contest is open to local students who attend school in Mower County. The contest will be divided into three age categories: grades first through third, grades fourth through sixth and grades seven and eight.

The contest is being sponsored by the Austin Daily Herald, Games People Play and Rydjor Bike.

Austin Daily Herald Classified Manager Becky Gray said the paper is pleased to help sponsor this event.

"This gives local students a chance to showcase their talents, while expressing their patriotic feelings at the same time," Gray said.

Prizes will be awarded to the first three places in each category for the essays, which will be 250 words or less. Entries need to be submitted by 5 p.m. on May 3. A photo of the winners and sponsors will be in a special section in the Austin Daily Herald on June 23.

Gray said sponsors will be included in advertisements in the Austin Daily Herald to promote the contest. Sponsors will also have the opportunity to have a picture with the contest winners.

For information on the contest, or to be included as a sponsor, call Gray at 434-2227.

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at dan.fields@austindailyherald.com