Coon Rapids launches 2026 Snowflake Days button design contest for 62nd anniversary

COON RAPIDS, Minn. - The Coon Rapids Snowflake Association has officially opened its 2026 Snowflake Days Button Design Contest, inviting young artists to help shape the visual identity of one of Minnesota’s longest running winter traditions as it marks its 62nd anniversary.

The annual contest is a cornerstone of Snowflake Days, as the winning designs are featured on the official commemorative buttons that grant access to signature events, including the city wide Medallion Hunt. Snowflake Days will run from January 30 through February 8, 2026.

Who is eligible

The contest is open to Coon Rapids students in grades 5 through 12, including those attending public or private schools within the city as well as home schooled students who reside in Coon Rapids, according to contest organizers.

Design requirements

To be eligible for cash prizes, submissions must meet specific creative and technical guidelines set by the Snowflake Association.

Each design must include:

• The dates January 30 to February 8, 2026
• The words “Coon Rapids Snowflake Days”
• Rocky the Raccoon, the City of Coon Rapids mascot, as a central element

Suggested design themes include winter activities commonly associated with the city, such as hockey, ice skating, sledding, disc golf, and other outdoor recreation.

Technical specifications require that:

• Designs be hand drawn only. Computer generated artwork is not permitted.
• A maximum of three colors may be used, excluding the white background.
• Artwork must be submitted on an 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of white paper using the official button template provided by the Snowflake Association.

Each entry must also clearly list the student’s name, grade, school, and a parent or guardian’s contact information.

Deadline and submission

All entries must be submitted by Friday, January 9, 2026. Completed designs should be emailed to crsnowflakedays@gmail.com, following the instructions outlined in the official contest rules.

Prizes and announcement

Two winning designs will be selected and formally unveiled during the Coon Rapids City Council meeting on January 20, 2026.

• First place will receive a $100 cash prize
• Second place will receive a $75 cash prize

The selected designs will be printed and distributed as the official Snowflake Days buttons for the 2026 celebration.

A winter tradition rooted in community

Snowflake Days was founded in 1964 by the Coon Rapids Jaycees, led by local resident Chuck Austin, with the goal of fostering community cohesiveness during the winter months. What began as a modest local celebration has grown into a multi week festival that draws participation from across the city.

Signature events include:

• The Medallion Hunt, a city wide scavenger hunt that can award up to $500 to the finder who possesses the official Snowflake Days button
• Winter sports such as the Guns and Hoses hockey game between police and fire departments, outdoor skating at Sand Creek Park, and disc golf
• Longstanding community traditions including a parade, waffle breakfast, snow sculpture contest, and the Junior Royalty Program, which has been part of Snowflake Days since the 1970s

Full contest rules and submission details are available on the Snowflake Days website at coonrapidssnowflakedays.com.

MinneapoliMedia