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Sundridge launches holiday photo contest

 Because of the interest, the community decided to try it again, and as an added bonus the Holiday Lighting Contest is back
sundridge photo contest
his is the winning photo from Sundridge's first Holiday Photo Contest in 2020, taken by Rachel Castellano. The photography contest is back and after being cancelled last year, the community is also bringing back the Holiday Lighting Contest. Prizes for both contests have also been doubled.

Sundridge is back with its Holiday Photo Contest.

The contest was introduced last year when uncertainties surrounding the pandemic forced the municipality to cancel its annual Holiday Lighting Contest.

 The photo contest generated a lot of interest with about 25 entries that depicted the holiday spirit.

 Because of that interest, the community decided to try it again, and as an added bonus the Holiday Lighting Contest is also back.

 Cash prizes for both contests have been doubled.

 First prize for the best picture and best decorated home or business is $150 each.

 The second place winners in both contests are awarded $100 each and third place in each contest is given $50 each.  

 The municipality is running both contests at the same time at the suggestion of Mayor Lyle Hall, who said he'd “like to keep the community engaged,” while the idea of doubling the value of the cash prizes came from Coun. Steve Hicks.

 The theme for the photo contest is Winter Fun.

 What shutterbugs need to keep in mind is the photograph must be taken in Sundridge and it's one entry per Sundridge household.

 Pictures can be snapped between now and Dec. 9 and must be in the municipal office by Dec. 9 to be eligible for judging.

 Participants have to be at least 18 years old.

 Photographs can be emailed to [email protected].

 Participants will then be asked to sign a waiver form and once it's back in the hands of the municipality, the photograph will be officially entered in the contest.

 Council will review all the photographs at the Dec. 15 council meeting and announce at the same meeting the first, second, and third place winners.

 Sundridge homeowners and businesses who want to enter the Holiday Lighting Contest need to call the municipal office at 705-384-5316 to register their address. Participants have until Dec. 8 to register.

 All decorated properties must be situated in Sundridge.

 Unlike the photo contest where council members determine the winners, the public decides the winners of the lighting contest.

 On Dec. 10, staff will have voting sheets available for the public to pick up in order to cast their votes.

 The voting sheets will be available that day from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

 Voting sheets will also be available on the municipal website in case anyone can't pick them up in person.

 Homeowners and businesses should ensure their Christmas lights are on between 6 and 9 p.m. Dec. 10 so the public can cast its votes.

 The voting sheets can be returned to the town office Dec. 13, 14, or 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 Voting can also be carried out through Survey Monkey. The link to that site will soon follow.

 Participants will need to give approval to staff to be able to use or share photos taken of the decorated properties.

The winners of the Holiday Lighting Contest will be announced at the same Dec. 15 council meeting.

 The winning Holiday Photo Contest pictures, in addition to the images of the homes or businesses of the Holiday Lighting Contest, will be featured on the Sundridge website and social media page.

Rocco Frangione is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the North Bay Nugget. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.