Builders, schemers, burners… we’ve heard you have some ideas! Now’s your chance. The Lakes of Fire Organizers and the LoF Effigy Council have decided to put the LoF 2012 Effigy into your hands. In an effort to make the LoF Effigy a wider community project we are seeking design ideas from all involved Regions.

What does this mean?
Well, for starters, the gang that has brought you four different Effigies in years past, dating back to LoF Beta in 2008, will still be involved. Inviting new motivated volunteers to join the crew and new blood in the idea process. And a new Lead! What we’ve done to allow for community growth is we created an “Effigy Council”. Those of us who have been involved in leading the charge for the past 4 years will be taking more of an advisory role. Leaving room for new people to step up into leadership roles within the LoF Organization.

What are we looking for?
You tell us! We want original ideas and concepts for the 2012 Effigy. And what a better place to find them then the LoF community. We are looking for design concept, build design, execution, resourcing ideas and most importantly, someone to lead the charge for an awesome group of volunteers. The designer of the top pick will also have the opportunity to be the new Effigy Lead and follow their design from an idea through to completion and ignition. All submission participants are welcome to participate in the build process. Some entries may also be considered for smaller sculpture placement.

What kind of support to expect?
The Effigy Council and the LoF Organizers will assist the new lead in the following ways…
- The existing Effigy Team and new members will be on hand to swing hammers and create.
- The LoF Bean Counter will see to it that you have a budget in the ball park of $2000 for materials.
- The Effigy Council will guide/coach you on Leading a crew of volunteers, recruiting more volunteers, build methods, material procurement, burn plan, permits, safety, engineering, pyrotechnics and more.
- A match.

Of course with any new endeavor this big there are changes and developments. Nothing is written in stone. But this is the jist of it and is subject to change.

Submission details:
Please email the following information to effigy@lakesoffire.org…
-Your name! And other contact info like a phone number, area you live, etc.
- Your design. While we prefer clean crisp computer drawings, pencil on paper (scanned) works too. We do have access to a volunteer that does AutoCAD for the Effigy Team. Your design drawings should not only include what it will look like completed but also the framing and support underneath it.
- A materials list and budget. This is very important. We can’t figure this out for you. You may need to go to a lumber yard and find the price of that 2x10x20′ lumber you want. So be as detailed and complete as possible.
- Construction method. How will it get built? Not just where a framed wall will go but how a group of volunteers will accomplish it. Remember, we’re expecting you to Lead the build. Make sure you think this through.
- Manpower resources. Do you have friends that are willing to help? An existing crew of master carpenters? A gaggle of magic elves in your basement?
- How will participants interact with it? Will it be climbable? Fun? Fragile?
- How does it relate to Lakes of Fire and the Great Lakes Region? The Effigy is the pinnacle of the event. It’s concept needs to be easily associated with the event and/or theme. Yes, we know the theme isn’t released yet. Imagine the opportunity here with that! Shhhh.
- Safety! Please explain how you will incorporate safety into the design.
- Burn plan and LNT plan. How do you imagine ignition and the burning of it to happen? What kind of mess do you expect being cleaned up after the burn?
- Any other details you think we should know. Please make your submissions as complete as possible. Piece-meal submissions will not be considered. Effigy Council may contact you with questions before a winner is chosen to clarify information.

The Effigy Council will review the submissions and choose some finalists. Then open the discussion up to the Organizers before choosing a winner.

We look forward to your submissions. Thank you for your participation,

LoF Effigy Council
effigy@lakesoffire.org