Every year, the Purely Grand Photo Contest is a chance to see Grand County through the eyes of its many amateur and professional photographers. The Middle Park Land Trust has been hosting the event for 12 years.

“The Land Trust thought it would be a way to get the community involved,” said Billy Sumerlin, Middle Park Land Trust executive director. “We know there’s a lot of people out there that love photography.”

The contest includes six categories: Scenery, agriculture, wildlife, floral, black & white, and photos by those under the age of 18. Children may enter scenery, agriculture, floral, black & white or wildlife photos.

The first place photos in each category, as well as the MPLT Board of Directors’ favorite photo will be awarded prizes.

In the past, area businesses donated prizes, including golf passes and massages.

The competition inspires the community to visualize open space and protect natural resources, Sumerlin said.

Last year, 135 participants entered the contest.

“It’s gotten bigger and bigger each year,” Sumerlin said.

Photographers sign a photo release to the Land Trust with each submission.

“We sell the photographs and use that as a fundraising tool,” Sumerlin said. “We sell them just about everywhere we set up our booths.”

Sumerlin expects 125 to 150 people to enter this year.

The contest judges are professional photographers.

Photos will be displayed at the Purely Grand Photo Contest reception Friday, Aug. 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Streamside Art in Granby.

To participate, mail entries to: Middle Park Land Trust, P.O. Box 1938, Granby CO 80446; or hand deliver them to the MPLT Office: 52 N. First St., Granby. For more information, call (970) 887-1177 or e-mail mplt@middleparklandtrust.com.

Contest Rules 1. Photos must be taken in Grand County. 2. Entries must be 8x10 matted photographs. 3. Photos must have the photographer’s name, address, phone number, category you wish to enter and the location in Grand County where the photo was taken, securely attached to the back of the mat. No name may appear on the front of the photo or mat. 4. Photos by Kids. Kids must be under 18 years of age and the age of the photographer must be written on the back of the mat with the other photo information. 5. Photos submitted are a charitable donation and become the property of the Middle Park Land Trust for displays, brochures, presentations, auctions, fundraisers and other nonprofit purposes. Photographers retain all other rights. Photos must be submitted with a signed photo waiver, available at middleparklandtrust.org. 6. The deadline for submission is August 1, 2008. 7. Judges’ decisions are final. 8. The Middle Park Land Trust assumes no responsibility for photos submitted. 9. Enter as many photos as you like. 10. Digital photos may not be submitted by email.