The deadline for the 5th Annual Heritage Houses for the Birds Contest & Fundraiser is Saturday, September 5, 2009. There is still time to design and build unique a bird house to benefit Heritage Society programs and projects. We encourage bird houses that reflect the builder’s vision of Pacific Grove’s architectural heritage. Bird houses will be judged by the public for awards and be placed on the auction block with proceeds to benefit the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove. Youth builders have their entries returned to them after the presentation of awards.
Volunteer organizer Rebecca Riddell hopes for at least two dozen entries this year. “This is an opportunity to give back to your community with an investment in creativity,” confirms Riddell, “The Birdhouse building contest and auction is a unique event that brings children and adults, artists, craftspeople, and laymen together to support the Society. Although we expect entries from talented local artists such as Ray Magsalay, Murphy Robins, and Snick Farkas, we also have locals such as myself who will be submitting their best efforts to the cause.”
Adult Entry Fee/Sponsorship: $75
Each bird house builder will submit an entry fee or creative builders may request the Society find a sponsor for you.
Youth Entry Fee (Youth up to 16 yrs.): $10
Entry fee includes a pre-cut, press and glue, wood bird house to be decorated in any style or theme. The entry may also be created from materials other than those supplied.
Adult Entry Forms are available at The Works, B’s Coffee Shop, PG Hardware, Trellis Garden Shop, Tides, Ketcham’s Barn in Pacific Grove and The Wild Bird Center in Monterey.
Youth entry forms and accompanied birdhouse kits are available at PG Hardware, Chatterbaux Children’s Shoppe, and Ketcham’s Barn in Pacific Grove.
Entry forms and completed birdhouses must be delivered to the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove no later than Saturday, September 5, 2009.
The Heritage Society’s office, at Ketcham’s Barn, is located at 605 Laurel Ave., and is open Saturdays between 1-4 pm. Call 646-0351 if special arrangements are necessary.
The birdhouses will be placed on display in locations throughout the community from Monday, September 7 through Friday, October 2, 2009. A listing of locations will be announced.
On Sunday, October 4, the birdhouses will be brought to Elmarie Dyke Park (next to Chautauqua Hall) for the final public presentation and silent auction, held at in conjunction with the Historic Home Tour & Artists in Chautauqua. Visitors will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite birdhouse and place their final bids in the auction. The silent auction will close at 2:30pm and auction payment and pick-up will be held from 3pm to 4pm.
The public votes will be tallied and the result will assist in determining a winning birdhouse in each of the design categories below, as well as a People’s Choice Award, a Best-of-Show, a Mayor’s Choice Award (selected by the Mayor of Pacific Grove), and The Best Assessed Value Award (selected by Monterey County Assessor). Category winners will receive an award plaque. Gift awards will be given in the Youth category, and for People’s Choice and Best-of-Show.
For further information contact co-chairs Craig and Rebecca Riddell at 831-646-0351.
