CORDELE — The 2009 “official souvenir” watermelon T-shirt design contest has begun.

Monica Branch with Cordele Main Street says the contest will continue through 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1. Entries may be submitted to the Main Street office at City Hall or carried to Renee Fraser at Fraser’s Auto Repair in Cordele.

This will be the 60th anniversary celebration of the Watermelon Festival and that will be the theme for 2009. Judging for the T-shirt contest will be based on originality (uniqueness of design), creativity, best use of color and best interpretation of the theme.

All designs must include the theme (60th anniversary celebration) as well as the words, “Cordele Georgia Watermelon Capital of the World.”

Entries should be submitted on 8 1/2 x 11 white paper, and they must be in color (no more than 5 colors should be used). A black and white sketch also must be submitted with the entry.

The name, address and phone number of the artist must be written on the back of each entry.

Main Street Downtown Revitalization & the Downtown Business Organization are sponsoring this contest, and all entries become the property of the Main Street Program and the Downtown Business Organization and may be used by either as they see fit.

The person who submits the winning design will receive a $100 cash award, a free t-shirt, and media publicity.

Sponsors reserve the right to reject any and/or all entries.