Theme: Patriotism
Details:
- Bears may be picked up starting June 1st
- Display by date: July 13th
- Judging will occur July 13th-17th
- People's choice voting will be July 13th-17th
- Contest winners will be announced on July 17th at Music on the Lawn Summer Concert
- Bears are free. There is no cost to enter the competition.
To Enter:
- You must register at Town Hall and complete a contest application when you pick up your bears.
Contest Rules:
- Entries must be displayed by contestants' yard by July 13th
- Bears must be firmly anchored in the ground to prevent being blown over or causing a hazard.
- Bears can be painted and/or items can be attached for decoration. Display items must be firmly attached or anchored.
How to Vote in People Choice:
- Ballots will be made available in the Seven Devils Community Center & Town Hall at the front door July 13th-17th, 2026. Take a driving tour of entries and return completed ballot to the ballot box in the Community Center or Town Hall. Attend Music on the Lawn on July 17th to see if your favorite entry won the 2026 Bear Decorating Contest People's Choice Award.
New Category: 12 and Under
- This category will be for anyone 12 and under who wants to decorate a bear and compete. This will give them a fair opportunity to win without being compared to the adult categories.
Judging Details:
- Bears will be judged based on the entry's creativity, originality, resourcefulness, cleverness, and interpretation. Any entries not following Contest Rules will be disqualified. Judging will take place in July and winners will be announced July 17th at the Music on the Lawn Concert.