Libraries Announce Annual Yumion Writing Contest

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The Ohoopee Regional Library System has announced the rules and deadlines for the annual Yumion Writing Contest, which is held each year in preparation for the Vidalia Onion Festival. All entries are due to a local library branch by 2 p.m. on April 12.

This contest allows kindergarten through 8th grade students the chance to let their creativity shine and showcase the area’s famous crop and mascot. Kindergarten participants are tasked with drawing a picture to tell their Yumion story, while 1st and 2nd grade students have the option of drawing a picture or writing a 50-100-word story. Students from 3rd grade until 8th grade must write their Yumion tale, with the following word limits: Grades 3-4 – 200-350 words; Grades 5-6 – 350500 words; and Grades 7-8 – 450-650 words.

Each entry must feature the city of Vidalia, Yumion, and/or the Vidalia Onion, and may be poems or stories. These entries should be creative and not merely the story of how the onions were discovered.

Every entry should be accompanied by a separate sheet of paper stating the author’s name, address, age, grade, school, and phone number. No name should appear on the entry itself. The entries should not be placed in binders or folders; they do not have to be typed but must be clearly legible.

Entries may be submitted at Montgomery County Public Library, Dr. Mark and Tonya Spivey Public Library, Tattnall County Public Library, and Jeff Davis County Public Library.

The top 3 stories or drawings and an honorable mention will be awarded for each category. Winners will receive varying prize money based on their placement – 1st Place — $25, 2nd Place — $20, 3rd Place — $15, and Honorable Mention — $10. Winners will have their names published in The Advance after the contest.

For more information on the contest, please email wrights@ ohoopeelibrary. org.