LISBON — With the Johnny Appleseed Festival just around the corner, organizers have announced a new competition that is sure to “dress up” Lisbon’s annual celebration.

According to the Lisbon Chamber of Commerce, the Apple Sack Fashion Show will give contestants an opportunity to showcase their creative talents by creating a piece of fashion with the primary and common element being a burlap “apple sack.”

“I’m really excited about this idea,” LACC Executive Director Judy Noel said. “I wanted to incorporate a new contest that would pique the interest of different age levels while invoking the apple theme with a creative twist, and this is what popped in my mind. Once the Apple Sack Fashion seed took root everything else seemed to fall naturally into place.”

Burlap sacks may be purchased from the Chamber Office for $10 each and more than one bag per entry is permitted. Entries will be submitted into one of three categories — sports theme, day/office/formal wear, and superhero.

“I had a lot of ideas for each category and hope others use their imagination to create some stunning and fun fashion statements,” Noel said.

Noel explained sports theme entries could be a football or baseball jersey or fashion decorated with the colors of a school or favorite sports team. Day/office/formal entries could include a formal gown with embellishments or a suit coat for guys. The Superhero submissions can be inspired by any person from fictional to real life, from Superman to Batman to Jesus to a doctor and even a relative. Noel said she expects to see a few burlap capes in that category.

Prizes will be awarded depending on the number of entries, with Alterations by the Clothing Surgeon serving as the contest’s judges.

Participants are encouraged to showcase their creative talent. The bag may be decorated with any type of accessory, notions, design enhancements, or printing desired by the creator.

The bag may be cut and additional fabric may be added, with at least 60% of the fabric (excluding lining) consisting of burlap apple sacks. An “apple emblem” must be incorporated somewhere within the design — buttons, embroidery, decal or in some other creative way. No Johnny Appleseed costumes are permitted. The final creation must be worn at the festival by either the creator or a model. Appropriate clothing must be worn underneath. All designs must be “family friendly.” A complete list of rules will be available upon purchase of burlap sacks.

Registration may be completed online by following the link on the LACC or Johnny Appleseed Festival Facebook pages. Sacks can be picked up at the LACC office located at 120 N. Market St. in Lisbon during office hours.

The 2025 Johnny Appleseed Festival will be held Sept. 19, 20 and 21.