The Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau announced the winners of the second quarter entries for the Focus on the Byway photo contest. Entries for the third quarter are being accepted now, said Cris Collier, president of the visitors bureau.
“The enthusiasm and interest in the photo contest is amazing,” Collier said. “Having over 100 entries in the first quarter certainly exceeded our expectations. However, receiving over 200 entries for the second quarter has us dancing with excitement. This contest is the perfect way to recognize the wonderful photographic opportunities available along this byway and within the byway communities as well as provide quality photography for future promotion of the area.”
The second quarter of the contest ran from July 1 through September 30. The winning photos were chosen based on composition, creativity, and overall impression. All entries were submitted online at the VisitGreatBend.com website.
Focus on the Byway Photo Contest –2nd quarter winners in each category are as follows:
Events/Attractions
Barton County Fair #2 - Rob Graham
KWEC - Rob Graham
Mud Volleyball #5 - Karole Erikson

Outdoor Adventure
Birding - Mike Nolan
Stafford in Sight - Terry Spradley
Returning Hunter - Rob Graham

People
Watching the Sunset - John Bowers
Sweet Smile - Kayla Schartz
Brecken in the Bubble Pit - Rob Graham

Scenery/Wildlife
Burrowing Owls - Jay Miller
Summer Storm - Mellissa Pitchford
Avocet with Babies #1 - Dan Witt

Slice of Life
Leashed Laughter – Terry Spradley

Youth
Sunset – Leah Graham

The Focus on the Byway photo contest is a chance for amateur and professional photographers to submit inspiring images of the three internationally significant wetlands that anchor this byway (Cheyenne Bottoms, Quivira, and land owned by the Nature Conservancy), as well as the seven communities within the byway corridor. The grand prize for the winning image will be presented at the end of a year.  This “Best of The Byway” photo will be chosen from among each quarterly finalist.
Go to the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau website at visitgreatbend.com to view all of the finalist photos.
“We are very pleased with the response to this contest — especially since it is the first of its kind held in the state by a tourism entity and/or byway,” said Loren Unruh, chairman of the CVB Board of Directors.  “Our CVB, and our byway, continue to be leaders in the tourism industry within the state. Having a wonderful selection of images for promotional use is very important.  A recent ad campaign for the byway resulted in over 3,000 inquiries for information about our byway and the Great Bend community. “
To learn more about the contest contact the Great Bend CVB office by calling 620-792-2750 or check the byway photo contest website at www.KSBywayPhotoContest.com for guidelines and submission criteria.