Meridian Optimist Events
October
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Oct14
Meridian Optimist Christmas Tree Fundraiser
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 - Thursday, December 25, 2025
This is the major fundraiser for the Meridian Optimist Club each year and it supports the many projects we do throughout the year. Such as: our essay and oratorical scholarship programs; annual Easter egg hunt; food baskets for those in need; the Meridian Optimist Junior Air Rifle Club; and The Meridian Food Bank and much more.
For more information contact:
Kirk Farnsworth at 208-850-6729 or Janet Simmons at 208-440-8531
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Oct16
Optimist International Oratorical Contest
Thursday, October 16, 2025 - Monday, March 16, 2026
Topic: “The Moment I Realized I Belonged — My Definition of Community”
The contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1st of the current Optimist International contest year (October 1 – September 30) and who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent, including CEGEP students in Québec, Canada. There is no minimum age.
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations is awarded annually from this program.
First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners at the Club level receive medallions and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts have the opportunity to provide a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000.When: Club Contest will be on Monday, March 16, 2026.
Deadline for entries: All entries must be received by March 3, 2026
Where: Meridian Library @ 1326 W. Cherry Lane, Meridian Idaho
To obtain rules and application, click this link Contest Application For more information please contact Mike Harris at 208-484-8529 or meridianoptimist32086@gmail.com
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Oct15
12 Guns of Christmas Raffle
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - Saturday, December 13, 2025
For more information or to purchase tickets contact Bert Moore at 208-949-3763; Kirk Farnsworth at 208-850-6729; Janet Simmons at 208-440-8531; or Mike Harris at 208-484-8529
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Oct16
Optimist International Essay Contest
Thursday, October 16, 2025 - Friday, January 23, 2026
Topic: “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me”
The contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1st of the current Optimist International contest year (October 1 - September 30) and who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent
The Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In additional to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship!
Deadline for essays to be turned into the Meridian Optimist Club is January 23, 2026.
The Meridian Optimist Club awards the first three places with medalions and cash awards.
First place receives $200
Second place receives $150
Third place receives $100.
In addition the Club-level winning Essay will be submitted to the District Level Contest for the opportunity of winning a $2,500 college scholarship.
For questions or more information, contact Mike Harris at 208-484-8529 or meridianoptimist32086@gmail.com
Students wishing to participate in the essay contest can download an Essay Contest Application entry form here or contact the club chairman Mike Harris at 208-484-8529 or mhmh21711@gmail.com