2025 - Official Rules & Guidelines

1. There is no entry fee. However, all entrants must complete and submit an entry form by Sept 22nd and submit a photo by September 28th, 2025.

2. Displays must be visible from a city, county, or state roadway.

3. Displays must not limit vehicle visibility or in any way cause an obstruction to traffic. The road right-of-way must be observed and not infringed upon.

4. Displays located on private ground must have permission of the landowner.

5. Square, round, loaf, or loose hay or straw is acceptable. Decoration materials are not limited in any way whatsoever, so let your imagination run wild! The more creative, the better!

6. All participants are required to submit a photo of their display by September 28th to be displayed on the MCTC Facebook page for voting purposes. If a photo is not submitted, they will not be eligible to win.

7. Prizes will be awarded for:

        A. Most Creative - $200 EACH. One winner will be awarded by judges in each of the 2 categories: Business & Non-Profit and  Private Residence.

        B. Fan Favorite - The displays with the greatest number of "Likes"in each category on the Muhlenberg County Tourism Facebook page will be awarded: 1st Place $250, 2nd Place $175, 3rd Place $100.

 

Residential Address Release & Waiver

(a)I hereby authorize, without limitation, the Muhlenberg County Tourism Commission to release my residential and/or business address for the purposes of marketing and advertising associated with the Bales in the Berg Event (hereinafter “the Event”).

(b) I hereby waive any right that I may have to inspect or approve the media, any materials that may be used in connection with the Event, or the use to which it may be applied

(c) I hereby acknowledge that any and all materials published or used in connection with the Event is the sole property of the Muhlenberg County Tourism Commission and may be posted on any websites or social media channels affiliated with the Muhlenberg County Tourism Commission or reproduced in print electronic materials.

(d) I hereby acknowledge that the specific public release of my residential address to media outlets carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid the same.

(e) In consideration of the Event and specifically, the release of my residential address, I, for myself, my heirs, personal representatives and/or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue Muhlenberg County Tourism Commission, Muhlenberg County, and/or the Muhlenberg County Fiscal Court, its trustees, directors, officers, employees and agents from liability from any and all claims relating to the Event including negligence that may be attributable to Muhlenberg County Tourism Commission, Muhlenberg County, and/or the Muhlenberg County Fiscal Court, its trustees, directors, officers, employees and agents which results in personal injury, accident, illness (including death), and/or property loss arising from the release of my residential address.

(f) I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Muhlenberg County Tourism Commission, Muhlenberg County, and/or the Muhlenberg County Fiscal Court, its trustees, directors, officers, employees and agents from any and all claims, actions, suits, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities including attorney’s fees in connection with the Project.

 

I have read the Official Rules, Guidelines and Residential/Business Address Release & Waiver and agree to their terms.

Important Dates:

Monday, Sept 22: Entry forms MUST be received. Entries not received by this date may not be eligible for awards or included on the map!

Sunday, Sept 28: Deadline to submit photos of your display for official voting on the MCTC Facebook page. 

October 1st: The Bale Trail officially begins at sunrise. Entries must be completed and on display by that time. 

October 31st: The Bale Trail officially ends at sundown, We ask that bales remain on display until then.