HARRISBURG (April 6, 2007) - For their annual coloring book contest this year, the Dauphin County Commissioners are partnering with the Dauphin County Advocates for Nutrition and Activity (DCANA) to promote good health, exercise and open-air attractions in the county.

In a new twist on the old rules, which required children to send in drawings of their favorite place in Dauphin County, the commissioners invite children to send in drawings of their favorite outdoor attraction for the fifth annual coloring book contest. The deadline for submissions is May 25.

By modifying the contest, Commissioners Jeff Haste, Nick DiFrancesco and George Hartwick III hope to focus on locations where children can get healthy exercise. Suggested locations include Wildwood Lake Sanctuary, the Five Senses Gardens , Hersheypark, Fort Hunter Barn and Mansion, Lake Tobias Animal Farm, local parks and trails and more.

Entrants must be Dauphin County residents under the age of 18 as of Dec. 31. Twenty drawings are expected to be selected for the coloring book, and the decision of the judges will be final.

Entries must be on 8 1/2 x 11-inch white paper and in black ink or marker. No drawings in crayon or colored marker can be accepted. Entering is free, but each child may send in only one entry. The drawing must be the child's original work and will become the property of Dauphin County.

On the back of the submission, entrants should identify the location depicted and write their name, address, age and telephone number. Winners will be announced in mid-June. They will be honored at a commissioners' meeting and win a host of prizes. The coloring book is slated for completion by the fall of 2007.

"Every year, the drawings we receive get better and better," Haste said. "I am convinced that our little ones are some of this area's biggest and best promoters. And as an outdoorsman, I am delighted that we are promoting outdoor locations this year. We have some of the best hunting, hiking, boating and fishing spots around."

Please send entries to Dauphin County Commissioners Office, Communications Department,

The coloring contest is being sponsored by the county and the Dauphin County Advocates for Nutrition and Activity (DCANA), through its new, interactive Keystone Active Zone (KAZ) Campaign. KAZ is a fun-filled, promotional program, designed to make Pennsylvanians of all ages more aware of the many municipal, county, and state parks and trails available to help them get - and stay - active. KAZ is an initiative of Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity (PANA), a statewide coalition formed to connect people, ideas, and resources to help Pennsylvanians make healthy and active lifestyle choices.

The DCANA includes representatives from the Department of Health, the Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department, the Derry Township Parks and Recreation Department, the Capital Area Greenbelt, the Harrisburg School District , and the Dauphin County Library System.