New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JAN. 6, 2010:

PRAIRIE CHICKEN FESTIVAL ACCEPTING  POSTER CONTEST ENTRIES; FESTIVAL SOLD OUT

MILNESAND -- The High Plains Prairie Chicken Festival is looking for a few good artists to help celebrate the ninth annual event, which will be April 16-18, 2010, in Milnesand, N.M.

Artists of all ages are invited to enter their original works in the festival poster contest. The grand prize winning entry will be reproduced on the annual festival poster, and the artist will receive $300. Top winners in three age categories: adult, grades 7-12, and grades K-6, will receive $50.

The deadline for artwork submissions to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for the contest is March 1, 2010. Any two-dimensional media, including but not limited to prints, oils, pastels, acrylics, water media, pen and ink, graphite, photography, digital and mixed media will be considered. Images should represent the lesser prairie chicken and its habitat.

Entries must be received by March 1 in the Public Information and Outreach Division, Department of Game and Fish, 1 Wildlife Way, P.O. Box 25112, Santa Fe, NM 87504. Entries will be returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope, or may be picked up at the Department office in Santa Fe after March 30. Artists should submit 35mm slides, prints, high-resolution digital images or original work. Artwork must include the artist's name, address, phone or e-mail and entry category. For more information about the contest, please call (505) 476-8004.
 
The High Plains Prairie Chicken Festival celebrates the lesser prairie chicken and the Llano Estacado (staked plains) of eastern New Mexico. Festival participants see prairie chickens perform their remarkable early morning courtship dances, learn about the cultural and natural history of the southern Great Plains, take daily birding tours, and enjoy good food and western hospitality.

Sold out

The 9th Annual High Plains Prairie Chicken Festival is sold out. For "early bird" announcements for the 10th Annual High Plains Prairie Chicken Festival in 2011, please contact Tish McDaniel at chickenfestival@yahoo.com or call (575) 762-6997.

More information about the festival is available on the Department's Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

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