Holly Hobbie & Friends Want Real Life Stories of Friendship For "Best Friends Contest"

Most of us remember Holly Hobbie from our childhood – well she’sback! Just like the original HollyHobbie the all new Holly Hobbie knows what it means to be a true friend.This energetic and loveable character is someone that any girl would belucky to call their best friend.  To celebrate the release of the newest HollyHobbie & Friends DVD, Holly Hobbie & Friends: Christmas Wishes onOctober 24, American Greetings Properties is launching a nationwide search forthe most inspiring stories about friendship through the Holly Hobbie &Friends Best Friends Contest.

From now through November 6^th, children ages 6 to 12can submit a 250 word essay describingan experience or adventure they shared with their best friend that made themrealize they were truly best friends.  The first 100 completed entrieswill receive the new Holly Hobbie & Friends Christmas Wishes DVD. On November 13,2006, 16 semi-finalists will be selected and posted onhollyhobbie.com. Eight from the 6-8 age range and eight from the 9-12 agerange.  Entries will be judged using the following criteria:Originality, Clarity of Thought and Appropriateness to Theme. Grand andSemi-Finalists will be selected by a panel of expert judges and Holly HobbieRepresentatives. All 16 semi-finalists will receive iPod Nanos and a HollyHobbie & Friends merchandise package for themselves and their best friends.Among these 16 semi-finalists, there will be 4 grand prize winners whowill be announced on December 13,2006 at hollyhobbie.com. The 4 grand prize winners and their bestfriends will receive a HP Digital Camera and printer in addition to theirsemi-finalist prizes.

Children between the ages of 6 and 12 can enter the contest (with parentalconsent) online at www.hollyhobbie.com.