Elkhart County Parks Photo Contest


	Eligibility Any photographer can submit pictures for display; however, Elkhart County Parks and Recreation Department staff, their immediate families, and professionals may not compete for awards. The Elkhart County Parks and/or Concord Mall reserve the right to reject entries which might be deemed in poor taste. Entries Forms are available at the Elkhart County Parks office and other sponsor locations and must accompany each picture attached to the back. Entries may be color or black and white 5" x 7" minimum, to 11" x 14" maximum, and mounted flush or matted (no glass frames or picture hooks). Three entries in each category are allowed per person. Persons wishing to enter the “Best Special Effects Award” must indicate the special effect techniques that were used (ie special processing, multiple exposure, computer enhancement, etc.) Entry Deadline Each entry complete with attached form on back must be submitted to the Elkhart County Park and Recreation Department at 211 West Lincoln Ave., Goshen, Indiana or the Concord Mall Information Desk by 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2012. For additional information, you may contact the park office at 574-535-6458.

	Judging and Display Three independent judges will pick First, Second, and Third place winners in each category as well as in the “Youth Category.” Winners for “Best Show,” “Best Black & White,” and “Best Special Effects” will also be selected by the judges. All entries will be displayed in the community room of the Concord Mall starting at noon on January 20, and ending at noon on January 27, 2012. Awards In addition to ribbons, gift certificates for the following amounts will be awarded: Best of Show - $75.00 from Lighthouse Imaging; Best Black & White Photograph - $30.00 from ABC Warehouse; Best Special Effect Photograph - $30.00 from Accents; First Place - $50.00 from Concord Mall; Second Place - $30.00 from Wal-Mart; Third Place - $25.00 from Gene’s Camera Store. There will be first thru third place ribbons awarded in the Youth Category. The best youth photo will receive $50.00 from ShutterHugs. Promotions This photography contest is an annual event to promote the environmental, recreational and historical resources of Elkhart County. The Elkhart County Parks and recreation Department will receive the right to reproduce, at its own expense, any photo receiving an award of recognition in this contest for promotional purposes. The Elkhart County Parks may also request the use of other contest entries to be used in a promotional capacity. After the display, entries and awards will be available to be picked up at the Elkhart County Parks administrative office on or after Friday, February 3, 2012. The Elkhart County Parks and Recreation Department, Concord Mall and other contest sponsors cannot be responsible for damaged or stolen photos.

	Categories A) Focus on the Pumpkinvine - Focus in on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. This linear trail follows the old Pumpkinvine railroad corridor. Access to the trail is located at Abshire Park. Abundant opportunities exist for bikers, hikers, runners, cross country skiers and sight seers. Development of this park is still underway, however, over five miles of this trail are already completed. Photos in this category should capture the character of this blossoming county park. Photos in this category must be taken within the boundaries of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. B) Nature of the Photo - In this category photographs depicting the beauty of Michiana's flora and fauna will be judged. Photos in this category do not have to be taken within the Elkhart County Parks. C) Activities in the Parks - All of the Elkhart County Parks contain photogenic opportunities. Photographs in this category can include visitors, facilities, staff, or landscapes of the Elkhart County Parks. Parks for this category include Ox Bow, Bonneyville Mill, River Preserve, Cobus Creek, Elkhart County Historical Museum, Treasure Island, Wolf Lake, Turkey Creek, Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and Six Span Bridge boat Launch. Photos in this category must be taken within the Elkhart County Parks. Youth Category - Entries for this category will be selected from all three existing categories. Photographers must be 16 years of age or younger to be considered. Please enter your photographs in category A, B or C and indicate your age on the entry slip. Photos will be judged in their perspective category and then separated for judging in the Youth Category. There will be 1st. through 3rd. place ribbons awarded. The best youth photo will recieve a $50.00 gift certificate from Shutter Hugs, Custom Framing and Printing.