- The contest is open to all public elementary and middle school students in Sumter, South Carolina.
- The theme of the entry is “Christmas Cheer.”
- Entries are to be 8 ½” X 11” in size, no larger or smaller.
- Entries can be in any medium such as paint, pencil, watercolor, or crayon.
- Use of text in their work, other than “City of Sumter OR Sumter, SC,” will be disqualified.
- The use of logos or other copyrighted material in their work will result in disqualification.
- Entries must be original work by the student. NO TRACING, NO COPYING.
- Entries are preferred to be in portrait (vertical) design on paper.
- Entry is open to all elementary school and middle school students who are residents in Sumter.
- No more than one entry per student.
- The student’s first and last name, grade level, and name of school MUST BE clearly written on the back of his/her artwork, or the artwork will be disqualified.
- Completed Parent/Guardian permission form MUST BE ATTACHED to each individual student’s entry, or artwork will be disqualified (2nd page of this document).
- All entries become the property of the City of Sumter and will NOT be returned. Personal information on entry forms will not be used for any purpose other than those associated with the winning competition entry and will not be disclosed without parental permission.
- The name and photograph of the winning student may be published in the local newspaper and the City of Sumter’s marketing and social media, as well as our sponsor’s marketing.
- One successful work will be chosen for the cover, and one successful work will be chosen for the inside of the card. The judges’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
- The winner’s school principal and parent/guardian will be notified directly.
HOW TO ENTER
- Complete the required application AND submit it with your artwork.
- Entries must be submitted by 5 PM, Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
- All entries should be delivered to your principal's office.
- Principals and parents will be notified by Friday, November 7, 2025, if your child’s drawing is a winner.
- All winners will be recognized and are invited to be our special guests at the annual Fantasy of Lights opening ceremony, Monday, December 1, 2025, starting at 6 PM at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
- All winners will be presented their prizes at the start of the City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, starting at 5:30 PM at the Sumter Opera House.
WHAT CAN STUDENTS WIN?
- Runners-Up:
- One runner-up student will be selected from each grade (K-8) in the district.
- Each runner-up will receive a framed copy of their entry.
- Each runner-up will receive a $20 gift card.
- Grand Prize Winners:
- Grand prizes will be awarded to two (2) winners.
- One grand prize winner will be chosen from all elementary school entries in the district.
- One grand prize winner will be chosen from all middle school entries in the district.
- Both grand prize winners will have their designs used for the official 2025 City of Sumter Christmas Card.
- Both grand prize winners will receive a framed copy of their entry.
- Both grand prize winners will receive an Apple iPad.
- Both grand prize winners’ drawings will be created into a light display at the annual Fantasy of Lights.