Call For Entries in the Piggy Bank Pageant

As part of America Saves Week, February 22-27, a Piggy Bank Pageant is coming to town. Children in grades Pre-K to 12th grade are encouraged to create a winning “piggy bank” for this event.

UT Extension, Tennessee State Bank, Keep Sevier Beautiful, and the King Family Public Library are partnering to sponsor this project. Dr. Wise, Financial Specialist with UT Extension, says that starting a savings habit early is one of the most important financial tasks that we can teach our kids. “A young person who understands the importance of beginning to save money and limit debt early in life definitely has a boost toward financial security throughout life.”

The Piggy Bank Pageant is actually a state competition that begins on the county level. In Sevier County, the banks are to be made by youth and brought to Kodak, Seymour, and King Library branches by noon on March 16, 2016. The age categories are Pre-K- 1st grade; 2nd-3rd grade; 4th grade; 5th grade; 6th – 8th grade and 9th – 12th grade. Each bank must be created by the child. It must also be sturdy for transport and must have a place for putting money in and out of bank. Each bank can be anything, not just a “Piggy.” The size must not be larger than 12 in by 12 in. Recycled materials may be used. A winner from each age category will receive a $25 check from Tennessee State Bank, plus an opportunity to be included in the State Contest. Each participant will also be given a “goody bag” and certificate. Sevier County 4-H members are encouraged to participate.

Any child in Sevier County within the age category guidelines may participate in this event. However, the completed banks must be at one of the three libraries mentioned above by March 16, 2016 for judging.

“It’s always totally amazing to see how youngsters keep coming up with unique entries year after year,” says Dr. Dena Wise, who coordinates the statewide effort. “Even after several years of these contests and thousands of entries, we still look forward to seeing what students come up with every year.”

This also promotes a great opportunity for parents to start discussions of earning as well as saving money. Teach your child the value of saving money by encouraging your child to participate in the Tennessee Saves Piggy Bank Pageant!

For more information on the Piggy Bank Pageant or saving money, contact Linda Hyder with UT Extension, (865) 453-3695 or lhyder@utk.edu.