As an example, Happy Star (shown below) could lead to hat designs like these.
New this year, we have simplified our contest starting point AND added a youth division. To make the contest more approachable for artists of all ages and abilities, we are asking you to create something that fits in the template box. If you like the idea of skis on your hat, or a floral doodle, or a trio of snowflakes, or a mountain scene – Just draw it in the box!
This year’s winner will collaborate with the Sauce design team to create their final design. While our new format allows the artist to Think INSIDE The Box, it will require our voting audience to use their imagination and Think OUTSIDE The Box.
Voters will select the creative element they like best knowing that the final design is still a question (but in good hands!). Now the question is, do you have the Special Sauce?
DESIGN EXAMPLE
HOW THE CONTEST WORKS
Click here to receive our PDF template. Use any means you wish to design your creative element. Crayons, markers, decoupage, design software... As long as you're not sending us copyrighted artwork, it all goes!
Entries are due Sunday, October 19th, 2025!
Join our newsletter in the footer menu to stay in the contest loop! We send emails with deadline reminders and updates.
Voting will take place on our website from October 22-26, 2025. Be sure to join our email newsletter or follow us @SauceActive on social media to stay in the contest loop!
The adult and youth design with the most votes at the end of the voting period will win the contest and be announced the week following the close of the contest. The winners will receive one of their hats and a gift card to purchase any of the products in our online store - including more of their own hat!
AND Sauce will donate a portion of the sales from your design over the next 12 months to your charity of choice. Learn more about Sauce for a Cause and how this contest has benefited charities in the past.
RECENT WINNERS
This is our favorite event of the season and we can't do it without you!! Thanks to YOUR participation in our Special Sauce Design Contest we have been able to donate thousands of dollars to a variety of winner-chosen charities and organizations.
The images below showcase winners from the past several years. Maybe yours can be next!
