Waterloo, IA – Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) preserves and shares
America’s agricultural story through a network of partnerships in a federally designated 37-
country region of Northeast Iowa. Since 2007, the Heritage Area has been holding the
“Capture the Heart of America” photo contest to let photographers actively participate in
preserving their own part of the region’s story. To celebrate the entire American
agricultural story, the 2012 “Capture the Heart of America” photo contest is being
expanded to include agriculturally related photos from across the country.
The contest let’s photographers share their stories in five categories, with four of them open
to photos taken nationally and one category solely dedicated to Silos & Smokestacks Partner
Sites. Contest categories include:
American Farmscapes
From rustic farms to rolling hills of patchwork fields, the rural countryside holds a beauty uniquely American. This category captures this beauty through artistic depictions of farm and field scenes scattered throughout rural America.
Life on the Farm
Life on the farm is characterized by hard work combined with a connection to the land. This category shares the story of the American farmer who helps feed the world, along with day-to-day life on the farm.
Silos & Smokestacks Partner Sites
From dairy farms and museums to vineyards and tractor assembly tours, more than 100 Designated Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area Partner Sites are sharing their own part of America’s agricultural story in a 37-county region of Northeast Iowa. This category lets visitors share their experience at Heritage Area Partner Sites.
Celebrations of Agriculture
Steeped in culture, festivals and fairs have long been held to celebrate American agriculture and the fruits of the harvest. From nationally recognized state fairs to a hometown rhubarb fest, this category commemorates the agricultural experience at countless events throughout the country.
America’s Agricultural Industry
America’s agricultural industry has helped to shape agriculture worldwide. From the relics of smokestacks that once dotted the American landscape to the barges that transport grain on the Mississippi River, this category captures this important story.
This year’s contest includes over $1,600 in prizes, including:
Best of Show – Tamron 70-300 mm Lens & 12”x18” Custom Frame of Winning Photo
First Place – $100 (each category)
Second Place – $50 (each category)
Third Place – Silos & Smokestacks Gear (each category)
Thank you to Porters Digital Cameras & Imaging, Cedar Falls, IA for sponsoring the award for
Best of Show and Top of Iowa Welcome Center, Northwood, IA, for being a supporting
sponsor.
Photo contest entries are due by October 5, 2012. Visit www.silosandsmokestacks.org for
guidelines and online entry form. For additional information, please call 319-234-4567.
SSNHA is one of 49 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is 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
