THEDFORD – The inaugural Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway (SJNSB) photo contest has been announced; it provides an opportunity for residents around the route to showcase not only their photography skills but the natural beauty of the mid-American pocket they call home.
Divided thematically into two categories, “Sunny Days” and “Starry Nights,” the SJNSB’s contest is otherwise wide open to interpretation; there should be no shortage of great photographs, SJNSB President Linda Teahon explains.
“There are 272 miles of highway, and all the things that are out there: farmland, ranchland, wildlife. Of course, there’s always Carhenge up at Alliance. And the Ravenna elk; that would be pretty cool to have a picture of him. There are just so many things to be photographed.”
Holiday barn displays, too, Teahon stresses, also would make for excellent snapping. The contest is not limited only to the stretch of highway that comprises the scenic byway, but floods its surrounding corridors as well: twenty miles on either side is still fair game for photographers.
The entry fee is only $5 per photo, and contestants can submit as many photos as they like, so long as they were taken within the past four years.
Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 winners of each category, including featured spots on the SJNSB’s website and recently-launched tourism app. As the contest is first and foremost a fundraiser for the SJNSB, half of the total money raised through submissions will go to the Byway, and first prizes will receive 25% of the remaining half, second prize will claim 15%, and third place: 10%.
Teahon offers a small hint for those looking to stake their claim on that 25%.
“We always like pictures of cows.”
Photographers have roughly a month to snap their perfect shot; the contest is open until January 11. Entries postmarked after that date will be ineligible. Submissions should be mailed, ideally in a plastic sleeve and photo mailer, to Terri Licking, PO Box 62 in Thedford. Release and submission forms can be found here.
