The BLINK Festival, Cincinnati’s premier celebration of visual and performing arts, is giving local families a chance to be part of the opening night. Through a partnership with First Financial Bank, the organizers have launched a Turn on the Lights Coloring Contest aimed at children twelve years old and younger.
How to enter
Parents can pick up a printable coloring sheet at any First Financial Banking Center location or download the PDF from the bank’s website. Completed entries must be submitted in person at a First Financial Banking Center by September 26. Only one entry per child is permitted.
Judging and prize
A panel of representatives from BLINK and First Financial will evaluate the submissions based on creativity, originality, and overall presentation. The winning child will be announced ahead of the opening ceremony and will have the honor of officially turning on the festival lights on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 4 p.m.
Festival details
The opening block party will close five blocks of Central Parkway between Liberty Street and West 14th Street, directly in front of TQL Stadium. Attendees can expect glow‑in‑the‑dark charms, bubble‑glow prints, and other interactive installations. Live performances will also be featured, including a national act that has yet to be announced.
“BLINK is a powerful celebration of creativity, and we’re excited to give some of our region’s youngest artists a chance to be part of it,” said Mandy Neeley, Chief Consumer Banking & Strategy Officer at First Financial Bank. “The Turn on the Lights Contest is a fun way for kids and families across our communities to connect with BLINK, use their imaginations and experience the excitement of seeing creativity come to life on such a big stage.”
Why it matters to families
Beyond the artistic opportunity, the contest underscores the festival’s commitment to family‑friendly programming. By involving children directly in the opening ceremony, BLINK reinforces the importance of nurturing creativity from an early age—a value that aligns with the community’s focus on strong families and supportive neighborhoods.
Local parents are encouraged to spread the word, bring their children to the banking centers, and help their kids submit a colorful entry that could become the centerpiece of Cincinnati’s biggest arts event of the season.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
