Pick up trash! Make some art! Win awards!
Some of the area’s litter will be on display at the Benton County Fair this year in August. But you’ll never recognize it: it will be cleverly disguised and repurposed as art in the “Tossed” sculpture contest.
This is the third year for the competition that brings awareness to litter and its impact on the environment through art. In 2018, the first year of the contest, there were six entries. Last year there were 25! And this year promises to be the most creative yet.
During the week of the fair, sculptures in each division will be voted on by people who visit the fair. Adults and kids can enter the contest, individually or as a group. Winners in each division will receive $50.00 gift cards sponsored by NWA Roll Off Dumpsters or Boston Mountain Solid Waste District. Second place in each division will receive $25.00 gift cards sponsored by BC Solid Waste District or gift cards to Lewis & Clark outfitters. Third place in each division will receive drawstring bags in Benton County sponsored by Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and in Washington County they will receive a canvas utility bag. New this year—at the Benton County Fair, the sculptures will also be judged and eligible for ribbons, in addition to awards.
Kids and adults throughout Benton County and Washington Counties have already been working hard on the project, which starts with a community service activity: picking up litter to prevent stormwater pollution. Then the trash is transformed into works of art—thanks to a little paint, glue, wire, screws, nails and a lot of creativity. Nearly 650 people voted on entries last year, and fairgoers enjoyed looking at all the inspired and inventive sculptures created from what others have tossed to the ground.
TOSSED is sponsored by Northwest Arkansas Stormwater Education and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research & Extension. For the Benton County Fair, you must register by July 31st. For the Washington County Fair, register by August 21st. There is no entry fee. For more information and to register, contact lsimpson@uaex.edu or call 479‑271‑1060.
We can’t wait to see your sculptures at the Fairs!