The Great American Road Trip Essay Contest! The "Great American Family Road Trip" Essay Contest is inspired by this summer's 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Interstate Highway System, as well as the beginning of the vacation travel season. On June 16, a convoy of U.S. military vehicles will leave San Francisco and follow the 3,250 mile route of the 1919 First Transcontinental Motor Train through 13 states before reaching Washington, D.C. June 29, as part of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' anniversary celebration of today's interstate highway system. Families also are celebrating their summer ritual of vacation travel as they head out to the highways to enjoy fun, sun and summer recreation. Essay should be 500 words and should recall memorable family vacation experiences — including how concrete pavements factored into those experiences — while driving across America or to a favorite vacation destination. The contest runs from June 16, 2006 through September 4, 2006 Prizes include a $500 gas gift card; a $250 gas gift card; a $100 gas gift card; and two $50 gift cards. Ten entrants, whose essays will be deemed Honorable Mentions, will be awarded road atlases. To enter the contest, download, follow these two simple steps: Download and read the rules about the "Great American Road Trip Essay Contest" Download this form and submit it, along with valid ID and a copy of your essay to the "Great American Road Trip Essay Contest"