CAP: Winners of the first annual Lycoming County Fair book cover design contest were (left to right): Cheyenne Danneker, Courtney Houseknecht and Victoria Kleese.

“Treasure the Memories” is the theme of the 2014 Lycoming County Fair and for the first time in its 144 year history, a contest was held with the winner’s artwork used on the front cover of the fair’s premium book.

“The contest is now slated to become an annual event,” said Sandy Knipe of Cogan Station, a proponent of the idea for some time. Knipe volunteers with the 4-H livestock department, and expects more budding artists will apply next year.

Contestants must be age 17 and under and be Lycoming County residents. Knipe had alerted 4-H leaders, school art teachers and news paper ads in an effort to spread the word of the first-time event. Courtney Houseknecht of Montoursville won first place and was awarded a $100 cash prize and two fair passes. Cheyenne Danneker of Williamsport was second place winner and received $75 and passes. Third place went to Victoria Kleese of Montoursville with a prize of $50 and passes.

All three winners are 13 years old and are members of county 4-H groups. Houseknecht belongs to the 4-H Artitude group; Danneker, Keystone Kountry, and Klees Pioneer Valley, the latter meet at Clarkstown. While Houseknecht’s drawing graces the cover, the designs of the runner-ups can be found on page 91 of the 2014 Lycoming County Fair book.