Celebrate NJ launches 2007 poster contest

In an effort to highlight New Jersey talent, Celebrate NJ, a grassroots movement to instill pride in the Garden State, is accepting entries for its 2007 Poster Contest as part of the "365 Reasons to Celebrate NJ" campaign. The contest invites participants to design a poster that reflects their reason to Celebrate New Jersey. The winning entry will become the Official 2007 Celebrate NJ poster, widely distributed throughout the year. Selected designs will also be featured as part of the Celebrate NJ media and advertising campaign. The top three winners will receive cash prizes, with a grand prize set at $500. Nine other entries will receive honorable mentions.

Karen Hatcher, president of Celebrate NJ, says, "We have had such a wonderful response to the '365 Reasons to Celebrate NJ' campaign. So far, more than 1,000 people from all over the state have told us their reasons to celebrate New Jersey. Now we're asking New Jersey artists to get in on the fun. With all the talented folks who live here, I know the entries are going to be amazing!"

All posters submitted must address one or more reasons to celebrate New Jersey, in keeping with the "365 Reasons to Celebrate NJ" campaign. Entries must be e-mailed to Celebrate NJ by March 31. A completed and signed entry form must also be attached. There is no age limit for entrants. For complete contest details, visit www.celebratenj.org.

Celebrate NJ invites everyone who has a Reason to Celebrate NJ to log on to www.CelebrateNJ.org and enter that reason. No deadlines have been set. Reasons are being released on a monthly basis. Entry cards are also available at over 350 libraries across the state, which are promoting the campaign. The best 365 reasons will be published as part of an advertising and media campaign, which will take place on outdoor ads across the state and through radio, television and newspaper promotions. A select number of entries will be chosen to participate in feature stories for various publications across New Jersey.