Young Builders Display Creativity In Franklin’s Toys LEGO Contest

Molli and Maci McKinley collaborated on “CLUE” and won first place among the oldest entrants in this year’s LEGO contest at Franklin’s Toys.

Derek Lloyd’s “Icarus” earned him second place for kids ages 13 and up.

First place among kids ages 8-12 went to Charlotte Reed for her “Friends Party In The Park” display.

Ewan Hardy tied for second place with his “Battle Of The Bulge” creation.

Bode Wiles’ “The First Star Wars Movie” tied for a second-place prize.

Eli McKinley’s “Ninja Rescue Squad” earned first place among kids ages 5-7.

“Panda Play Place” by Harlow Thiel was one of two entries voted second place for kids ages 5-7.

Hunter Sullivan’s “Who Will Win?” tied for the second-place prize for builders ages 5-7.

Willa Duckett’s “Pickle Island” tied for the first-place award for the 2-4 age group.

“Dino River” by Wade Lian tied for first place among kids ages 2-4.

Catherine Robinson earned second place among the youngest builders for her display, “Bread Box.”

Posted Thursday, September 3, 2026 11:27 am

Each year, Franklin’s Toys invites children in the community to exhibit their unique block builds in its LEGO expo and building contest. This year’s competition took place in August, with kids ages 2-13 and up entering their LEGO creations for patrons to vote for the winning builds. First-place winners competed for $50 gift cards, and second-place winners vied for $25 gift cards. The voters’ favorites were announced on August 24.

And the winners are…

Ages 13 and up

First place: Molli and Maci McKinley

Second place: Derek Lloyd

Ages 8-12

First place: Charlotte Reed

Second place (tie): Ewan Hardy, Bode Wiles

Ages 5-7

First place: Eli McKinley

Second place (tie): Harlow Thiel, Hunter Sullivan

Ages 2-4

First place (tie): Willa Duckett, Wade Lian