Fundraisers for a proposed bike trail in Auburn are encouraging area residents to register for a sunflower-growing contest and chance to win an $800 bike. Participants compete by attempting to grow the tallest individual sunflower during the summer. The contest ends in mid-September with official measurements by the Iowa State Extension and Outreach Office. The Sunflower Showdown is open to all Sac, Calhoun and Carroll County residents. Registration can be completed at the SEC Bike Shop in Carroll or by calling Jane Barto at 712-830-6783. The $5 registration includes a seed package, and there is no limit to the number of packages participants can purchase. The winning grower will be announced in mid-October. All money raised will help fund the Grant Park Trail, a proposed 1.5 mile bike trail that connects Auburn to the nearby county recreational area.
