Festival of Wreaths

Our Festival of Wreaths is a wreath decorating contest among members of our community, incorporating an online silent auction and prominent display of the wreaths on the front of the Butler County United Way building in Hamilton's German Village. Butler County United Way Community Partners can submit their own decorated wreath and/or partner with a local business or individual who would like to submit a wreath on behalf of the Community Partner.  Each Community Partner that entered will receive half of all the proceeds from their wreath.  The other half of the proceeds will go to Butler County United Way’s Community Impact Fund, directly supporting programs in Butler County focused on youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resilience. For a full list of Butler County United Way Community Partners, click here.

• Register Online: Click on the registration link to complete the event registration form. Secure your spot by filling in your details. 
• Let Your Creativity Shine: Once you're registered, it's time to let your creative juices flow! Gather your team and start crafting your unique holiday wreath. There's no limit to your imagination, so make it as festive and delightful as you'd like.
• Capture Your Creation: When your wreath is complete and ready to dazzle, take a minimum of three photos showcasing its beauty. These photos will help others appreciate your artistry and will be used as the photos for the silent auction display.
• Tell Us Your Story: Along with photos, provide a brief description of your wreath, including minimum opening bid. Share its theme, message, and any special details that make it unique. Don't forget to include your Company/Organization information.
• Submit Your Entry: Complete the registration form, attaching the photos and description. This is your moment to shine and show off your wreath, so make it count! 
• Drop your Entry:  Bring your entry to Butler County United Way, 323 North Third Street, Hamilton, OH 45011 between the hours of 9:00 and 4:00 on any Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday - now through the Wednesday, November 19 deadline.  
• Spread The Word: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to bid on your wreath.  The silent auction link will be open for bids beginning on Monday, November 24.  We will send all contestants this silent auction link as well as push the information out on social media posts and other forms of advertisements.
• Selection of Winners:  Winners for each wreath will be announced promptly at 3:00 PM on December 7 during the Christmas in the Village event.  Wreaths may be picked up immediately following the announcements.

• As a contestant, you have total creative freedom to select your theme, materials, and colors.  Just make sure your theme is appropriate for all viewers.  To really stand out, try incorporating children's toys, gift cards/certificates, autographed items, tickets, or other usable items into your design.  Not only will this add value, but it will also allow your business to showcase its product, service, or cause.  All items will be displayed on the auction website with the name of the business/organization (with logo) or individual/designer that sponsored it.
•  All wreaths entered must be between 24-26 inches in diameter.
• All wreaths must be decorated with weather resistant materials to be displayed outside.  Inside displays are limited.
• Artificial wreaths are preferred.
• All decorations must be nonflammable or fireproof.
• All decorations must be attached securely to the wreath.
• All electrical elements must be battery operated.
• The wreath construction and materials used must be sturdy/durable to easily withstand transport.
• Edible or perishable items are not permitted.
• Wreath designers must submit organization name, who they would like the proceeds to benefit, a description, name, and minimum bid for their wreath upon drop off.  
• Once submitted, all wreaths, accompanying decorations, materials and gift items become the property of Butler County United Way until final purchase.  
• All wreaths will be priced in a way that will maximize their value to support the cause.  Contestants may offer a minimum beginning value for their creation, but final say on beginning bid and bid increments are under the authority of Butler County United Way.