The city of Sequim is sponsoring an Earth Day poster contest, open to all elementary school students living within Sequim School District’s boundaries.

This year’s theme is "Growing Your Own Food." The contest is designed to increase students’ understanding of the importance of gardening and local farming.

All posters should be 8 inches by 111/2 inches and include the phrase "Earth Day 2009." Posters may have a caption about growing one’s own food or growing a vegetable garden.

Deadline for finished posters is March 26.

Contest participants each receive packets of vegetable seeds, courtesy of Sunny Farms Country Store.

Students at Helen Haller and Greywolf elementary schools can turn their posters in at the school office. For students outside Sequim schools, contact Carrie Rodlend at 681-0104.

Posters are to be judged on April 1. Community judges are art teacher Martha Rudersdorf, organic farmer Nash Huber and Bob Spinks, chief of police.

Posters are to be displayed throughout downtown businesses and offices.

Earth Day is April 22.