BUTTON CONTEST

Since 1992, the Bristol Fourth of July Committee has sponsored its annual Button Contest, giving students an opportunity to showcase their creativity and contribute to the town’s Fourth of July tradition. The winning designs help commemorate each year’s celebration and become part of a longstanding community tradition.

Button Contest Application Information

The contest is open to all Bristol residents in grades K–12, with four age categories: grades K-2, grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12. One winner will be selected from each category. Each category winner will receive a $50 cash prize and an invitation to participate in the Bristol Fourth of July Parade. From the four winning designs, an overall winner will also be selected and awarded an additional $75.

Entry forms are available at Rogers Free Library on Hope Street, 136 Printing on Metacom Avenue, Bristol Town Hall on Court Street, through Bristol Warren Regional School District school newsletters, and electronically through this link. The deadline for entries is Saturday, January 23,2027.

Completed entries may be mailed to:

Bristol Fourth of July Committee
Attn: Souvenir Button Contest
P.O. Box 561
Bristol, RI 02809

Entries may also be dropped off at 136 Express or Rogers Free Library.

2026 Button Contest Winners

Grades 6-8 and Overall Winner:
Abigail Winsor

In the grades K-2 category Lincoln Ley took home the honors. Lincoln is a 7.5 (not 7 or 8, but 7.5) year old 2nd grader at Rockwell School and is the son of Allie and Aaron Ley. This may be the beginning of a dynasty as Lincoln won this category last year. He is joined at home by brothers Lynden and Ledger. In addition to art he enjoys Hip Hop and playing the guitar. In fact his interest in art may guide his future endeavors as Lincoln has aspirations of becoming an art teacher. The subject of his entry is a very determined looking eagle.

In the grades 3-5 category Quinley Giarrusso took the honors. Quin is a 9 year old 4th grader at Colt-Andrews and is the daughter of Shana and Steven Giarrusso. Besides Mom and Dad she is joined at home by younger sister Piper and Murphy, a Golden Retriever. English is her favorite subject and outside the classroom keeps herself busy with arts and crafts, dance and softball. As of now teaching is in her future. Like mother, like daughter designing items for the 4th of July runs in the family. Quin's mother once designed a widely used sailboat logo for 4th of July souvenir apparel. Quin's entry design is a panorama of Independence Park with the harbor in the background.

The grades 6-8 category was won by Abigail Winsor a 12 year old 7th grader at Kickemuit Middle School and is the daughter of Jen and Gordon Winsor. Younger brother Jonathan and Labradoodle Teddy join Abby at home. Writing and obviously art are Abby's favorite subjects and a multitude of extracurricular activities including theater, tennis, golf, piano and dance keep her busy outside of school. Her primary interest, however, is the theater. Abby is the Acting Director at a local musical theater and has appeared in Trinity Rep's Christmas Carol. Architecture could also play a role in Abby's future. Abby's entry in the button contest displays a child high fiving a soldier along the parade route.

Marissa Cabral is the veteran of the button contest having won in all categories over the years. This year she is the winner in the grade s 9-12 group. Marissa is a 16 year old 11th grader at Mt. Hope High School and is the daughter

of Mary and Keith Cabral. Although attending college Marissa's older sister Christiana joins her at home. In the past Marissa's resume has been quite lengthy, but now she has zeroed in on graphic design and the Mt Hope girls varsity tennis team. And in her spare time she gives art lessons. Her background in the STEM (now STEAM) program at school, robotics and the Science Olympiad bodes well for Marissa's career as an industrial designer. Marissa's entry ties in America's 250th with a float in Bristol's July 4th parade.

Those are the four category winners, and the overall winner is the entry submitted by Abby Winsor and the bonding between child and soldier, which is the official 2026 Commemorative Button.

The 4th of July Committee thanks all the students who entered the contest and congratulates the four winners. Parade spectators have a chance to congratulate the winners, also, as they will have a place of honor in the parade on July 4,2026.