Local artists have until 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 to submit original artwork for a shot at $500 and a spot on the official poster for The Woodlands' 38th Annual Wildflower Festival.

The Woodlands Township announced the contest Wednesday, Aug. 5, with entries accepted starting Monday, Aug. 17 at the Township Office, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Artwork must depict a nature scene incorporating wildflowers, created on heavy white paper, canvas or poster board no larger than 11-by-17 inches using paint, watercolors, oils, pen and ink, pastels, crayons, colored pencils or markers. Photographs are not accepted, and each person may submit one entry.

Five age categories carry cash prizes: up to 4 years old, 5–8, 9–13, 14–18 and adults 19 and older. First place in each children's category wins $100. The adult winner takes home $500, and their artwork becomes the festival's official poster. The grand prize winner among the four children's categories gets their piece printed on the recycled tote bag handed out at the festival.

The Woodlands Lions Club co-hosts the Wildflower Festival with the Township. The event is the club's largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds supporting vision assistance for local children and seniors, Texas Lions Camp, college scholarships and Lions Club International Foundation projects.

The festival runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive. Admission is free. Attendees can expect wildflower seed packets, crafts, inflatables, face painting, live performances, food trucks and a display of contest winners' artwork.

Entries must be dropped off in person during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Label the back with the artist's name, address, phone number and age for children's entries. No writing on the front. Artwork not picked up by Friday, Nov. 13 will be donated to a local charity.

Residents with questions can contact The Woodlands Lions Club at [email protected] or visit thewoodlandslions.org.