Northeast Iowa – The polls are now open at www.silosandsmokestacks.org to decide the
“Best of Show” for the 2012 Capture the Heart of America Photo Contest. From October 29
through November 4, Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) is looking for the
public’s assistance in determining which agriculturally-inspired photo deserves to be named
this year’s “Best of Show.” Finalists for “Best of Show” are comprised of the first place photos
in each of five categories, judged by a panel of three professional photographers. The
finalists for “Best of Show” include:
Lisa Hinzman, Guttenberg, IA – Harvest Time (American Farmscapes)
Jim Grace, Albany, MO – Washing Hands (Life on the Farm)
Terry Brandt, Amarillo, TX – Elevators at Dusk (America’s Agricultural Industry)
Deb Simpson, Cedar Rapids, IA – Tractors Everywhere (Celebrations of Agriculture)
Scott Fairbairn, Prairie City, IA – Wagaman Mill (Silos & Smokestacks Partner Sites)
The Capture the Heart of America Photo Contest preserves, shares and celebrates America’s
unique agricultural story through agriculturally-inspired photos from across the U.S. This
year’s contest brought in 421 photos from 135 participants. Entrants represented 34 different
states ranging from Iowa, Georgia, Texas, Washington, New York, Hawaii and Arizona. Prizes are awarded for first, second and third place, as well as “Best of Show.” With so many
great photos received, an additional prize is also being awarded to the photo with the most
Facebook likes in the contest album at www.facebook.com/ssnha.
“This was the first year we opened the contest to photos taken nationally. We are extremely
excited to see the variety of photos from such a diverse section of the nation documenting
this important part of America’s heritage,” commented Don Short, SSNHA President.
Thank you to all of the amazing photographers for sharing their photos and this year’s contest
sponsors for helping to make the contest possible. Porter’s Digital Cameras and Imaging,
Cedar Falls, IA, donated the prize for “Best of Show,” a Tamron, 70-300mm Image Stabilizing
Lens and a 12”x18” Custom Frame of the winning photo. Top of Iowa Welcome Center,
Northwood, IA, and Jean Stowell were supporting sponsors.
SSNHA is one of 49 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is an Affiliated Area
of the National Park Service. The Heritage Area covers 37 counties in the northeast quadrant
of Iowa. Interstate 80 borders it on the south and Interstate 35 borders it on the west.
Through a network of sites, programs and events, SSNHA interprets farm life, agribusiness,
and rural communities—past and present.
Topics: Press Releases
