Calling all young artists in Bulldog Country! The Kearney Chamber of Commerce and the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce are inviting students and community artists to take part in the Clay County Under the Stars & Stripes: America 250 Poster Contest. The winning poster design will help promote the July 4, 2026, celebration at Smithville Lake, and the winner will receive a custom-framed poster of their work plus recognition at the event.

Details:

• Submission deadline: 4 p.m. on March 20, 2026
• Ages: 5–17
• Artwork size: minimum 8.5” x 11” & maximum 11” x 17”
• Original work only (must not violate copyright laws)
• No AI-generated submissions
• Include a short paragraph describing the message/inspiration 
• One entry per person
• Entries must include the completed entry form (attached) 
• Theme note: Artwork should spotlight Kearney and Smithville together, along with the 250th birthday of our country. 

Submit your entry (with the completed form) by the deadline to the Kearney Chamber of Commerce, 190 W Route 92, Kearney, MO 64060.

Thank you to the Kearney Chamber of Commerce for making space for student creativity across KSD. We encourage all of our young Bulldog artists to jump in and share their talents!