By Cecilia Nasmith

The change of seasons brings a new Seasonal Photography Contest to the Town of Cobourg, along with the announcement of winners from the previous one.

A community panel of jurors and town staff reviewed 62 submissions to the Summer Seasonal Contest to determine winners in three categories – Marc Venema (Distinctly Local), Taryn Ovens (Health and Fitness) and Luca De Ciccio (#InThisTogether).

Each shutterbug will receive a gift card valued at $200 to any local business of their choosing.

Photographs will be on display at the Cobourg Community Centre, and shared on the town's social-media page and on Experience Cobourg.

“There is no better way to see Cobourg than through the eyes of those who love and love it here,” Manager of Marketing and Events Kara Euale said in the announcement,.

“It is our hope that, with the images we receive through the Seasonal Photography contest, that we may create future marketing materials for Cobourg, such as the Leisure Guide and Experience Cobourg tourism guide, that are made up of user-generated photos.

“This will be an opportunity to further profile our talented photographers, as well as a fun way to share Cobourg's unique story,.”

Councillor Adam Bureau, Arts, Culture and Tourism Co-ordinator, said they were impressed by the tremendous talent of the area's photographers.
“This year has been a difficult year for many of us, and we are very happy to see that so many people got outside, explored their community and participated in this virtual community event.”

The Fall Seasonal Photograph Contest is now open, and residents and visitors are encouraged to submit original photographs in three categories.

Food and Beverage – Soaking up the sun on a patio, sharing a seasonal meal with friends and family, enjoying fall-inspired coffees or teas

Peaceful Parks and Mindful Trails – A look at Cobourg's hidden gems and beautiful places to walk and explore nature (now on display in beautiful fall colours)

History and Heritage – Local monuments and art displays that honour citizens, built heritage that conveys the town's unique history

There is a maximum of two entries per person. All entries must be original and unpublished, taken by the individual or organization submitting them, All must be high-resolution digital photos suitable for public viewing.

A panel is in place to jury each season's entries, consisting of Bureau, Art Gallery of Northumberland executive director Olinda Casimiro, professional photographer Ted Amsden, Jason Robinson of Project Lola and several town staffers.

Submissions are to be made to Community Events Co-ordinator Jackie Chapman-Davis at jchapmandavis@cobourg.ca.

The deadline is Dec. 14.

Looking ahead, the deadline for submissions in the winter contest is March 22, and June 21 for the spring contest.