Capture the unparalleled beauty of Haywood County’s corner of the Western NC Mountains with the Annual Visit Haywood T-Shirt Design Contest!
Haywood County-based artists (ages 18+) are invited to throw their hats in the ring for a shot at winning a $500 prize and a T-shirt featuring their design to be sold at the Visit Haywood Welcome Center, in our online store, and at Mast General Store in Downtown Waynesville (not to mention the bragging rights). Tap into what you love most about Haywood County to craft a design everyone from visitors to locals will be proud to flaunt!
This year, spectators are encouraged to participate in two rounds of voting as the crowd-favorite designs rise to the top! The voting form will open once submission period closes.
Here’s the 2026 timeline:
Submission portal opens: February 25, 9:00 AM EST
Submission portal closes: March 22, 11:59 PM EST
Voting, Round 1: March 27 – April 22, 11:59 PM EST
Voting, Round 2 (Top 5 Finalists): April 29 – May 13, 11:59 PM EST
In the 2025 T-Shirt Design Contest, Visit Haywood was honored to receive 17 unique designs by 12 talented local artists. Check out the winning design and runners-up below!
1st Place Winner
Light of the Mountains
By AJ James
2025’s winning design, “Light of the Mountains” by AJ James, received additional exposure at Mast General Store in Downtown Waynesville, receiving two runs in both short and long-sleeve shirts!