Annual LEGO-rama to be held at new library

COEUR d’ALENE – LEGO-rama – the contest for kids who love to build – will be held at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Jan. 12, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

“This will be our first LEGO-rama in the new library and I’m looking forward to having the space to do it right,” said David Townsend, Library Communications Coordinator and self-appointed LEGO leader for the event. “We have a couple of small changes, but it will be the same event that children and adults have enjoyed for the last two years.”

Based on participant recommendations, the maximum “footprint” for entries – the amount of space they occupy on the table – has been changed to 15 by 30 inches, based on the standard base plates available from LEGO. There is no height limit for entries, Townsend said, adding “participants do need to be practical about it.

“We don’t want projects falling down around us and there is a physical limit to what we can fit in the room.”

Also, a new prize for “Best of Show” has been added to the contest. Judges for this award will be selected by the LEGO Leader.

One entry per participant is allowed. The LEGO-rama contest consists of three categories:

“Original – Nonmechanized: Judging will be in age groups 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14. Entries should be original designs created by the participant (rather than assembled kits created by the manufacturer). Non-LEGO parts are permitted, but they must be LEGO-compatible. Winning entries receive a certificate, a book or merchandise, and will be displayed at the library for two weeks (at the winners’ discretion).

“Original projects – Mechanized (entries with motors or attached electronics): Judging will be in age groups of 5-10 and 11-14. Participants must provide their own power supply. Access to outlets cannot be guaranteed. All other rules apply.

“Exhibition category – Participants 15 years old and older are invited to display their original designs, but will not be included in voting for prizes.

Voting in the contest is by ballot. Each participant and audience member is given three ballots to place in envelopes in front of each entry. First, second and third prizes are determined by this vote. In case of tie votes the winner is determined by the LEGO Leader.

Anyone who needs accommodations to participate is asked to contact the library staff prior to the event. For information, call 769-2315 or e-mail dtown@cdalibrary.org. More news and information about the library is available at www.cdalibrary.org.