Garner Map Coloring Contest

We're launching a community-wide coloring contest! We teamed up with Jim Hunt, a nationally known artist who has created designs for NASA, Hershey's, and NASCAR, to create a cartoon map highlighting important Garner landmarks, people, and events. Kids can have a blast and learn a little local history (and geography!) by decorating iconic features such as the Farmers Co-Op Society grain elevator, Central Park, Duesey Days, and Billy Sunday.

From September through November 2025, we will release 3 different sections of the map: one each month. Kids can pick up coloring pages at the Garner Public Library on State Street, or download and print a copy below.

Here is some more information about the contest!

CONTEST DETAILS

• Open to students in grades K-5
• There will be 3 rounds from Sept - Nov. Each month, we'll release a new panel. When you put all 3 panels together like a puzzle, it forms a cartoon map of Garner!
• For each round, our judges will pick one K-2 winner and one grade 3-5 winner, for a total of 6 winners
• Winners will receive a $25 gift certificate to The Red Cardinal and a $25 gift certificate to the Avery Theater. Their winning submissions will be displayed at the Garner Iowa Public Library.
• Kids are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild! Use crayons, markers, feathers, yarn, glitter -- whatever you can get your hands on!

The first panel was released on September 2. Finished designs for round 1 are due at the Garner Public Library by close of business (5:30pm) on Monday, 9/22.

You can download the first panel here!

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A huge thanks to our partners Garner Public Library, The Red Cardinal, Avery Theater, and The Garner Leader.

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