'Dads Reveal Winning Cover Design

Hickory, NC - The Hickory Crawdads are proud to announce the winner of this year's Cover Design Contest, with Nathan Connor of Sawmills Elementary creating the winning entry. Nathan's artwork will appear on the cover of the first edition of the Crawdads Chronicle, the 'Dads game day program.

Nathan's artwork depicting Crawdads mascots Conrad and Candy was chosen from nearly 2,000 total entries from area schools. The winning picture also incorporates the 'Dads All-Star logo and a bright yellow banner with the Crawdads alternate claw logo.

"Nathan's picture really stood out to us," said Crawdads Director of Community Relations & Events Megan Meade. "I always love going through all the artwork and this year really gave us some great ones to choose from. In the end though, Nathan's was the one that won us over."

The Crawdads will honor Nathan at the 'Dads April 15th home game against Kannapolis. Nathan and his family will receive 4 free tickets to the game, where the 4th grader will also throw out the first pitch as part of his VIP treatment for the night.

The remaining 24 finalists submissions in the Crawdads Cover Design Contest will be displayed in the stadium concourse for the game. All of the children who submitted artwork, along with their families, will be recognized in a pre-game parade around the outfield.

Now in its 4th year, the Crawdads annual Cover Design Contest allows children from all area elementary and middle schools to submit their unique artwork for consideration. The Crawdads select the top 25 covers from nearly 2,000 total submissions. The winning artwork is then voted on by the 'Dads staff.

Sawmills Elementary will receive $200 from the Crawdads thanks to Nathan's winning art, while St. Stephen's Elementary in Hickory will also receive a $200 prize for having the most participants in this year's contest.

The Crawdads open the season on Thursday, April 3 in Greensboro before playing their home opener at the newly renovated Crawdads Stadium on Thursday, April 10. Tickets are now on sale for all 70 'Dads home games, as well as the South Atlantic League All-Star Game on June 17. Tickets may be purchased online, over the phone, or in-person at the Crawdads Ticket Office.

For more information regarding the Crawdads Cover Design Contest, call the 'Dads front office at (828) 322-3000.

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