Celebrate the wild inhabitants of the Housatonic River Valley through fashion, costume, and imagination! The inaugural River Fauna Fashion Show, which will take place during RiverVisions: HVA's 85th Birthday Bash & Fundraiser on October 17, 2026 from 3-6 p.m., is an invitation to style an outfit or create a costume inspired by the animals that live in and around the Housatonic River and its tri-state watershed.
Walk the runway for the chance to win our Grand Prize: A trip for two to London, including airfare and hotel, to see Christine Baranski in Hay Fever and go backstage at Wyndham's Theatre in the West End! (Must be able to travel on selected dates in November 2026)
Questions? Please email Lara at lbeckius@hvatoday.org.
1. Entry Fee
Each participant may present one complete outfit or costume. The fee for entry is $150 ($100 for current high school and college students), payable online athttps://secure.qgiv.com/event/rivervisions2026/no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on October 1, 2026. Entry includes admission for one to RiverVisions: HVA's 85th Birthday Bash.
2. Theme
Entired should evoke river wildlife. Inspiration may include, but is not limited to:
Fish such as trout, eel, shad, lamprey, and other native or historically significant river fish;
Birds such as herons, kingfishers, bald eagles, ospreys, ducks, geese, and songbirds;
Mammals such as white-tailed deer, black bears, beavers, otters, muskrats, raccoons, and foxes;
Insects and other small creatures, including butterflies, dragonflies, beetles, and aquatic insects;
Amphibians and reptiles such as frogs, turtles, salamanders, and snakes;
Any other animal species associated with the Housatonic River, its tributaries, wetlands, forests, or surrounding ecosystem.
Entries may interpret their chosen animal literally, abstractly, humorously, elegantly, dramatically, or fantastically.
3. What to Enter
Entries may be handmade, assembled from existing clothing and costumes, or a combination of these approaches. Creativity is encouraged over expense.
Designers are encouraged to use environmentally responsible materials whenever practical, including thrifted, repurposed, upcycled, and natural materials.
All outfits/costumes must be appropriate for all-ages viewing.
4. The River Connection
By October 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET, entrants will be asked to provide the name of their animal and a brief description of the inspiration behind the design and the materials used. Outfits need to be completed by 3 p.m. on October 17, before the show begins.
5. Presentation
Each entrant or their representative will have an opportunity to walk in the fashion show. Presentations by individuals walking in the show must be appropriate for all-ages viewing.
6. Safety
Costumes must allow the wearer to walk safely and see adequately during the presentation.
All accessories and materials must be securely attached and safe for the wearer and audience.
No live animals may be used as part of any entry.
Entrants are responsible for ensuring that their costumes/outfits do not create a hazard for themselves, other participants, or the audience.
7. Judging
A panel of judges selected for this event, in their sole discretion, will award one grand prize of a trip for two to London, including airfare and hotel, to see Christine Baranski in Hay Fever and go backstage at Wyndham's Theatre in the West End. The judges may optionally award additional prizes in the following categories:
Best Use of Recycled/Repurposed Materials
Most Unexpected Creature
Audience Favorite
Judging criteria may include creativity, craftsmanship, originality, connection to Housatonic River Valley fauna, environmental consciousness, and presentation.
8. Participation
By entering the River Fauna Fashion Show, participants agree to adhere to these rules and to help make the event a joyful celebration of the Housatonic River and its wildlife.
9. Prizes
Grand prize winner and guest must be available to travel on the dates arranged with donor Christine Baranski, with all travel to be completed in the November-December, 2026 timeframe. Only airfare, hotel, show tickets, and backstage visit are included.
Additional prizes to be announced.
