By MIKE CORN

mcorn@dailynews.net

The time is now to nominate sites for the 8 Wonders of Kansas customs campaign.

It's something of a confusing contest, however, as annual events aren't eligible. Neither are winners of past campaigns, or simply something that would better fit into another category -- past or future. Geography, history and people are the three remaining campaigns.

Customs, according to the Kansas Sampler Foundation's Web site, are defined as: "traditions and routines, quirky things; collections; and objects or interpretations that define an event, area or tradition."

"It's a confusing one," said Marci Penner, director of the Inman-based Sampler Foundation, which has spearheaded the 8 Wonders campaign.

The idea of the campaign, she said, is to travel, so it needs to be something that offers an explanation of what is there.

For example, Penner said, a set of tree swings at the cemetery in Hays might qualify, but it would be better if there was a sign to explain why the swings are there. The comic book collection at the Citizens State Bank in Morland would qualify because it is available for viewing every day the bank is open.

She also pointed to the idea of using limestone fence posts or barbed wire as a custom to keep cattle in a pasture, and with the Post Rock and Barbed Wire museums in La Crosse to explain things, they would both be eligible.

In many instances, the idea of nominating something for the customs campaign is more an issue of exclusion rather than inclusion.

Home-owned carnivals would not generally be eligible, she said, because they are generally only open one week a year. But, if there was an interpretative sign associated with a carnival, or a museum, and perhaps regular tours, it would fit in the category.

The ball of twine in Cawker City, she said, is an automatic nomination simply because it was one of the finalists in the overall 8 Wonders of Kansas campaign. In that category, three sites from northwest Kansas were recognized, St. Fidelis Catholic Church and the combined entry of Castle Rock and Monument Rocks.

Penner said she's on the fence when it comes to iron crosses at the cemetery in Victoria and elsewhere.

"That's a custom, sure," she said, but is uncertain how the committee, which pares the nominations down to 24, could determine which one trumps the others.

It would help, Penner said, if there was a sign to help explain why the crosses are used in place of engraved stones.

Overall, the campaign wants to encourage people to visit the nominated sites, and evoke a "wow" response when they are seen.

Penner said the customs campaign is generating a lot of questions, and nominations.

"We're getting a lot, but I'd have to say a lot of them I won't take to the committee because they should have been in another category," she said.

That doesn't mean they shouldn't be nominated, however.

"We're fine with if people aren't sure, they should nominate it," she said.

Nominations must be made by midnight July 31. Voting for the 24 finalists will begin Sept. 3.