Vermilion’s 3rd Annual Driftwood Art Contest is coming soon! Saturday, July 31st will be here before you know it. That means you need to get in gear to be part of the fun. Just follow these 10 simple steps:

1. Collect some driftwood. Yes, there’s still time. Whenever there’s wind or weather, our Great Lake Erie delivers driftwood to our beaches. When collecting driftwood, remember to bring a sturdy tote, wear work gloves and protective shoes, and never bring fresh driftwood inside.

2. Clean, disinfect, and dry your driftwood. So important! To be part of ALL WASHED UP 2021 your driftwood must be clean, dry, and free of all life forms. Follow this link for how-to info.

3. Get inspired. The shapes and colors of driftwood can spark your creativity, so let your imagination run wild. Look online for images of driftwood art projects. Several shops in downtown Vermilion carry pieces made from driftwood. Inspiration is everywhere!

4. If at first you don’t succeed…. If you’re a driftwood newbie, don’t be discouraged. It’s just driftwood! It’s free and there’s plenty more if you need it. Just keep trying until you have a project that makes you happy.

5. Try Teamwork. It’s fun and easy to enter ALL WASHED UP as part of a group. Gather family members, neighbors, and friends from school, camp, church, work, wherever. Many hands and minds can work together to make something cool and unique.

6. Register! Visit the ALL WASHED UP page on the Main Street Vermilion website for event details and to register online. It’s super quick and easy.

7. Spread the word! ALL WASHED UP Is for everyone, anyone, all ages, and all levels of experience. It’s just for fun, so please encourage everyone to participate.

8. Show up. Saturday, July 31, 8-9 am, bring your driftwood entry to Exchange Park, corner of Liberty and Main in the heart of downtown Vermilion. Check in, receive your certificate, and then stick around.

9. Have fun! You did it, now relax and enjoy the day. ALL WASHED UP kicks off at 10 am. First Place, Runner Up, and Honorable Mention awards in each category will be presented at 11:30. The coveted People’s Choice Award will be presented as part of the closing at 3 pm.

10. Pick up your entry. Between 3:30 and 4 pm, pick up your entry. If you have time to help with clean-up, that would be extra nice.

See you July 31st at Exchange Park for ALL WASHED UP 2021! It’s FREE, It’s FUN, It FLOATS!

Maryellen Cudney and Carolyn Hill, Event Organizers

10…9…8… Countdown to ALL WASHED UP 2021!