|
Department of Tourism
First Lady Announces Winner of Spring Photo Contest
Kentucky First Lady Glenna Fletcher has named Rita Atkins of Frenchburg the winner of the state’s Unbridled Spirit of Spring photo contest.
Mrs. Fletcher chose the winning photograph – a view of a rustic cabin framed by redbud trees in full bloom – from a group of finalists in five categories. Three judges with photography expertise selected the finalists from more than 700 submissions in the spring contest.
Atkins, an avid 47-year-old photographer, submitted two photos in the contest. She entered the winning image, taken in the Gladie area of Red River Gorge, in the category of Kentucky Landmarks. She won a week’s stay at one of Kentucky’s 17 state resort parks of her choice.
A lifelong resident of Menifee County, Atkins said she has easy access to the Gorge area and knew about the Gladie cabin. “I came to the edge of the road and had to shoot over a log fence,” she said. “I found a break in the trees that framed the cabin. It looked good on my digital camera, so I knew I had a good photo.”
The finalists in the other four categories, Extraordinary Landscapes, Outdoor Adventures, Big City/Small Town Views and Scenic Wildlife, won gardening gift boxes prepared by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“Kentucky is a beautiful state, with its rolling hills, white picket fences and scenic horse farms,” Mrs. Fletcher said. “It’s a pleasure to be part of a project that promotes our beautiful landscape.”
“Our first three competitions have been very successful, and we’ll continue staging them regularly throughout the year,” said Randy Fiveash, Commissioner of the Kentucky Tourism Department, sponsor of the contest. “We have a lot of great photographers around the state, and we’re glad to recognize them.”
The winning photos, which included other striking images of various spring settings and activities, will be used to promote Kentucky tourism in publications, advertising, signage and other publicity formats.
###
|