We are being invited to bring Morden's cultural spirit to life.
As the city prepares for the 15th annual Multicultural Winterfest, the organizing committee is looking for someone to design a mascot for the event and has launched a contest to find the perfect fit. It is open to people of all ages from communities throughout the region, not just Morden.
"We actually just want to involve more of the community; to bring them together, to see what they'd come up with, how they feel about this festival and how they see it," explained Danny Rocha.
The theme is Joy, Unity and Cultural Diversity.
"We just want people to think about the multicultural aspect of the festival [...] it just needs to embody the spirit of Winterfest," added Rocha.
And what does that look like to Rocha?
"To me, it's the spirit of adventure. To get out in the cold and brave it. Get bundled up and have your warm drink with you and see the steam coming out as you interact with people from different countries. That is the spirit, bringing people together in these conditions that are, I guess, not ideal for many people," he explained. "Lots of us run to the south in the winter, but here we run into the winter and try to enjoy it. This is the most Canadian thing you can do, at least in this region."
Submissions in any art form, from sketch, painting and digital to sculpture is welcome.
"Anything and everything works for us," noted Rocha.
A graphic designer by trade, Rocha offered these tips to those interested in making a submission.
"Make sure it's got big expressions - big smiles, big eyes. That it can move, so we can put it in different positions when we use it in marketing, but other than that, it's up to you."
Once a winner is selected, the committee will work with the artist and refine the design a little bit.
Deadline for submissions is Noon, February 3rd. Entries can be emailed to marketing@morden.ca or dropped off at the Civic Centre. The grand prize is a $100 Boston Pizza gift card and Multicultural Winterfest merchandise.
Morden's Multicultural Winterfest is happening February 8th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
With files from Ty Hildebrand