Wildlife Forever

Each year judging takes place one Earth Day, April 22. After making their selections by state and grade level, the judges must make final selections for Best of Show within each grade category.

The stage and four story backdrop are set at the Mall of America's Sam Goody Central rotunda.

On public display at the Mall of America are all of the top winners from each state and grade category. But no one knows who will receive the Best of Show awards.

Still undecided when the Expo begins is who will receive the People's Choice Award. This award is determined by the votes of the general public. The votes are counted near the end of the event and the winner announced.

The day begins for the winners and their families by checking-in at the Mall of America.

President & CEO of Wildlife Forever, douglas H. Grann, opens the ceremonies.

The giant screen TV is used to thank sponsors and to deliver taped messages to the winners from various celebrities such as Babe Winkelman and Bill Dance.

Chairman of the Board, Scott Grieve, awards trophies and ribbons to the winners.

After the ceremonies, the winners and their families attend a special banquet.

On day two of the State-Fish Art Expo, the winners are honored at a pre-game show by the Minnesota Twins. Gold glove winner Doug Mientkiewicz congratulates each of the winners on the infield.

All of the winners pose for a group shot.