Kewanee’s many parks are a thing of beauty, and residents who can capture that beauty in a photo could win a contest.
The Kewanee Park District announced a local photography contest with the themes of “local park categories, wildlife, landscapes/nature, people at play/recreation and sports.
Park Commissioner Paula Kapacinskas said she got the idea for the contest after attending the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) conference. The IAPD has a jury that selects photos of different park districts as winners in different categories, she said.
“As a smaller park district, we don’t get much recognition at the IAPD, but I felt that we have many beautiful parks and great photographers in our town, so it was my idea to implement a contest,” said Kapacinskas, who also serves as park board president.
With the help of Casandra Swearingen, an office employee with the park district, who assisted her with the logistics, Kapacinskas was able to organize the contest.
Kapacinskas hopes that the photography contest will become an annual event that draws from the talent of local photographers.
“I believe we’ll be showcasing the photos at the KPD office, but who knows? Maybe we will even have a show at one of the shelter houses where people can view the entries,” the Commissioner said.
The entry deadline isn’t until November 1 so that gives photographers the entire summer to get just the right shot. The rules for the contest are listed on the event flyer and include a signed waiver and release.
The photos will be judged anonymously by the park board, and displayed at the office. The winners will be presented with a framed print on their work.
The winners, ages 18 and over, from each category will be entered into the IAPD “Give Us Your Best Shot” 2024-25 Contest.
More information can be obtained by calling the park district office at (309) 852-2872 or online at kewaneeparkdistrict.org.
