SELLERSBURG, Ind. — The deadline for entries in the Indiana Bicentennial Barn Contest has been extended to Dec. 18.

The contest, endorsed by the Indiana Bicentennial Commission in celebration of the state’s 200th anniversary in 2016, is an opportunity to tell the story of your barn, said Chair Betsy Jones of Sellersburg.

"Nothing is more inherent to Indiana’s history than its agricultural roots," said Jones. The statewide committee of volunteers spearheading the barn project hopes to involve every county in the state.

She said anyone can enter their barn at no charge. Barns need not be 200 years old, but must have been built before 1950.

A panel of artists, preservationists and agriculturalists will select 200 entries that best celebrate Hoosier classic barns and their impact on the state’s economy and history based on aesthetics, character, condition and construction type.

"The ultimate goal is to get as many stories as we can for celebration and posterity," Jones said.

The 200 barns chosen will receive a commemorative sign; the top 10 will receive a framed plaque, handcrafted by Scottsburg artist Dorrel Harrison.

Jones said the contest is just the first phase of the project. The second is a traveling exhibit and educational program.

Sponsorship donations are tax-deductible, and the primary sponsors are Indiana Farm Credit Mid America Offices and Employees, and Indiana Farm Bureau. Indiana Landmarks is offering in-kind support.

"The contest has been very successful so far," Jones said. "We are just blown away by the pride, history and care people are taking to share their barn stories. Even with the response we’ve had, we hope to have thousands. We want to preserve that history."

More information about Bicentennial projects and how to get involved is available online at www.Indiana2016.org and for more on the barns, and some of the interesting stories that have been shared, visit www.200Indianabarns.com