Do you think you’re creative? That you can make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear? But what can you do with a gum wrapper, old bottle, or other piece of “trash”? Enter the first “Trash-to-Treasure” contest jointly sponsored by Whitman Mission National Historic Site and the Walla Walla Sustainable Living Center. Making the most of what you have was an important skill during the time of the Whitmans and is still a relevant skill today. So show off your modern-day ingenuity!

The contest takes place on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at the Walla Walla Farmer's Market. Bring entries to the Sustainable Living Center booth. Shoppers at the market will decide the winner. They will choose which entries they think best represent the concept of “Trash-to-Treasure.” Voting starts at 9:00 am.

Anyone can enter the contest. There will be three categories: 10 years old and younger; 11 to 15; and 16 and over. Contestants need to drop off their entry by 9:00 am. Entries can be either the item itself or a photo of the entry. Feel free to submit an item that you have already made or create something new just for the contest. Winners will be announced at noon. Contestants will need to pick up their entries between noon and one. Prizes include a trophy, books, and one-year passes to Whitman Mission.