One team’s depiction of Old Glory made of tuna and soup cans won top honors during Saturday’s inaugural Canstruction contest at Carnation City Mall.
Lowe’s six-member team led by Jenifer More spent 90 minutes building the majestic structure, which was named "Lowe’s Supports Our Veterans." They used 600 cans of tuna and Campbell’s soup and secured it with tape both vertically and horizontal for extra stability.
"We found the design on the internet, and the finished product was good teamwork," More added.
All proceeds, including the food, benefit the Alliance Area Habitat for Humanity and the Alliance Community Food Pantry.
Amanda Swank, executive director of the Alliance Area Habitat of Humanity, said Canstruction was years in the making. She credited board member Pat Gates, who also volunteers at the pantry, for introducing the idea.
"It was a good turnout for the first year, and we hope to do it annually," Swank concluded.
The University of Mount Union Green Raiders, the campus’ sustainability group, finished second with a tree made out of 323 cans of green beans and corn. The Alliance Kiwanis Club used 383 cans of tuna and 72 cans of soup to make their "K" logo in a brightly colored 3-D square design with K with blue and yellow cutouts gracing the top of the cans.
Kiwanis’ team member Elayne Dunlap was excited about the chance to exhibit their creativity for a good cause.
One of the more impressive displays was courtesy of Wellspring Bible Church, which built a well out of 500 cans of beans and potatoes that used running water; however, the team was disqualified due to additional non-complying structural support.
According to the rules, canned foods could only be joined with tape, velcro, fishing line, wire, rubber bands or zip strap, with no gluing, welding or permanent affixing of canned goods. The Wellspring still was an eye catcher though.
Structures had to fit into the designated 8-by-8-foot or 10-by-10-foot space and was to be under 10 feet high.
Unexpired non-perishable canned goods were required.
Judges for the competition, which included Altercare and Consumers Bank, were Mayor Alan Andreani, Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce President Mark Locke, and Alliance Community Pantry President Jody Koenigseker.
Teams paid a $50 entry fee to register for the event, and all the canned goods used were donated to the pantry.
