Local artists now have a chance to make their mark on the 2010 Buck Creek Festival.

The organizers for the festival, held in Helena, are sponsoring a cover art contest. The winning artwork will be used to design the posters, T-shirts and other promotional material for the festival. The winning artist will also receive $100.

“We’re hopeful that we get some creative artwork again like we have in the past,” said festival board member Cris Nelson.

The art contest runs until Feb. 1. Festival organizers will make an announcement about which submission is chosen in mid-February.

Nelson said those who wish to submit artwork should include references to music, ducks and children — all three of which make up integral parts of the festival. The festival is well-known for its rubber duck race.

To submit artwork, applicants should go to Buckcreekfestival.com. Contest rules and an application form are posted.

Nelson said organizers have already been in contact with bands, vendors and potential sponsors, but they are still encouraging others to apply. All contact information is on the festival’s Web site.

Nelson also said the 2010 festival will serve as Helena’s homecoming weekend as part of the Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns, a statewide initiative from Gov. Bob Riley. She said Helena officials have been trying to find old residents to come back for the event.

“We are fervently trying to find those residents who have lived in Helena before,” she said. “It’s going to be a homecoming celebration that weekend. We are anticipating it, obviously, to be another big weekend.”

This year’s Buck Creek Festival will be May 7-8.