Oskaloosa Main Street is bringing back a favorite holiday tradition, the Young Ambassadors Contest, giving local children a chance to represent the community during the Christmas season.
Children ages 3 through kindergarten are eligible to enter the contest. One young man and one young lady will be selected as Oskaloosa’s Young Ambassadors based on the amount of money collected in their individual voting canisters.
All contestants will be introduced, and the winners will be announced during a special ceremony Monday, November 30, at 6 p.m. at Penn Central Mall.
Parents or guardians must submit a photo of their child no larger than 3-by-5 inches, a $5 registration fee, and the following information: the child’s name, birthdate, school, favorite activity and Christmas wish list, along with the parent’s name, address and phone number.
Entries should be delivered to Oskaloosa Main Street, located on the second floor of Nicolet National Bank at 222 First Avenue East in Oskaloosa. Applications are also available on the Mahaska Chamber website under Main Street’s Holiday Events.
The deadline to enter is 4 p.m. Friday, October 23.
Once registered, each child will have a secure voting canister placed at a participating local business. Families may request a preferred location but must obtain permission from the business before making arrangements. Voting begins Monday, November 2, and runs through the morning of Monday, November 30. The young man and young lady who collect the most money in their respective canisters will be named the Young Ambassadors.
All contestants will also have the opportunity to participate in Oskaloosa’s “Winter Wonderland: Let It Glow” Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 5, at 7 p.m.
Beyond celebrating local children, the contest supports the community. Proceeds will benefit a local preschool and help cover expenses for the Lighted Christmas Parade.
Local businesses interested in hosting a voting canister, along with families seeking additional information, can contact Oskaloosa Main Street at 641-672-2591.
Source: Oskaloosa Main Street and the Mahaska Chamber.
Application information: Mahaska Chamber – Main Street Holiday Events
