In addition to the usual food, music, horse rides and other games at the Fall Festival, Second Use will offer a fun new competition this year. Teams of two to five people will build a birdhouse from salvaged materials on the spot. Each team will get a set of stock materials. In addition, each team will have the opportunity to select a limited number of decorative items from a common stash. When we reveal the materials, participants will have one hour to finish the birdhouse, using hand tools. The entries will be judged for construction, looks and creativity. The winning team will receive a prize of $100 store credit. We’ll display the birdhouses for a period of time after the festival, and then we’ll return them to the creators or consign them through Second Use.

To register your team for the Birdhouse Build, contact Dirk Wassink at [email protected]Teams must register by Sept. 9. The number of teams is limited, so sign up soon!

The Rules

1) Bring your own hand tools and battery-operated tools. No electric power will be available. Recommended tools include a hammer, saw, screwdriver, battery-powered drill driver and utility knife.

2) You may only use materials provided by Second Use at the Birdhouse Build. In addition to a set of building materials, Second Use will provide an assortment of nails, screws and glue to connect parts together.

3) Building must take place within the one-hour timeframe. Entries will be judged based on the actual birdhouse as it exists at the end of the time allotment.

4) The intention of this contest is for contestants and onlookers to have fun. The competition should be carried out with respect for others and in good humor.

We hope you can join us!

Posted 8/5/11