Rules and Objectives:

Create a wearable costume or fashion statement made entirely from recycled, reused or thrift store materials and communicate the 2026 theme, “Green Cincinnati.” There are no color or design limitations. Learn more about our theme from https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/oes/green-cincinnati-plan/

You will be expected to 1) Wear the costume/fashion, 2) Explain the costume/fashion to judges how it communicates the yearly theme, on the main stage, for a chance to earn cash prizes.

Don't forget to invite family and friends to Washington Park to see your creation/fashion statement on stage!

Teacher or authorized adult must accompany the minor students to the stage area.

Judging Criteria:

Recycled, reused or thrift store materials used for the costume/fashion must be collected or purchased by the entrant.

The concept/design must be conceived by the entrant and communicate the yearly theme.

Costumes/fashion may be made of any combination of recycled/reused materials such as second-hand clothes, newsprint, cardboard, plastic bottles/bags, caps, egg carton, paper bags, magazines, printer spools, etc.

NO glass or items that can splinter or shatter can be used.

Judges will consider how many types of recycled/reused items were included.

You may use tape, glue, paste, thread, etc., as needed to bind the recycled material together.

Costumed student should not be on stilts or raised in air, nor should the costume contain any mechanized element, in the interest of safety.

Registration

Once you’ve registered, you will receive further information with additional details about the contest as well as directions and contestant staging area at Washington Park. You can register the day of the event at the headquarters.

For any questions contact contest@cincinnatiearthday.org