Wednesday, May 1, 2002

National contest awards $100,000 to all-American lawn

For some it's a path to relaxation. For others it's a form of exercise. For many it's part of the weekly "to-do" list. For one lucky household, it will mean $10,000. The activity: lawn care.

The winner of the fifth annual All-American Lawn Contest, sponsored by Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse and leading lawnmower engine manufacturer Briggs & Stratton, will take home $10,000. Through July 31, lawn enthusiasts are invited to submit a description of how their lawns meet the qualifications of an "All-American" lawn.

Gardening is widely accepted as the number one recreational hobby in the United States, and during the summer months, the average adult spends nearly four hours per week caring for the lawn and garden. The All-American Lawn Contest enables people to showcase the fruits of their labor, and share how others benefit from the beautiful spaces they have created.

Whether homeowners meticulously groom their grass or simply lop a few inches off the lawn each week, they might have what it takes to be a winner. New this year, all qualified participants will be entered into a random drawing to win a lawn checkup from Briggs & Stratton Yard Doctor Trey Rogers, Ph.D. This nationally known turfgrass expert will make a special appearance at the winner's home to assess the lawn's health, identify problem areas and provide expert lawn care advice and maintenance tips.

The contest runs through July 31, 2002. One grand prize winner will receive $10,000, with four first prize winners each receiving a $1,000 Lowe's gift certificate.

To enter, contestants must show and tell what makes their lawns worthy of the title "All-American." Each entry must include original photos or video footage of the lawn and a brief written description of why it should be considered. Lowe's and Briggs & Stratton want to know how homeowners create the All-American Lawn scene-from the activities they enjoy there to the lawn care secrets that transform the yard from ordinary to extraordinary. Entries must demonstrate and will be judged equally on the following categories:

· Overall Appearance: The visual quality of the lawn;

· Creativity: What sets one lawn apart from the others, making it unique and original;

· Best Use of Space: Making the most of any lawn, whether it's a small strip of grass in an urban neighborhood or a large suburban lot;

· Lawn Care Program: The extra steps that ensure a lawn's vitality; and

· Functionality of the Lawn: How the lawn plays a role in the everyday life of its owner and caretaker.

For more information about the contest and to view the lawns of previous grand prize winners, visit the official contest Web site at www.allamericanlawn.com.

Official entry forms are available at all participating Lowe's stores, and online at www.lowes. com, www.briggsandstratton.com or www.allamericanlawn.com. Official entry forms must be submitted along with color photographs or a VHS tape of the lawn, plus a one-page description of what makes the lawn All-American. Photographs and videotapes will not be returned. All entries should be sent to: All-American Lawn Contest, P.O. Box 1829, Elgin, IL 60121-1829. Official rules are available at all Lowe's stores.

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