The 40th annual Sinks Canyon Photo Contest was judged this week, and winners from around the Lander area showed off their skills, giving glimpses of some of the wildlife, landscapes and birds, and flowers that make the area so special.
Nancy Alley of Lander won Best of Show for her shot of a swallow landing on a tree. Alley took home a ribbon and a $200 cash prize.
In the wildlife category, Gene Schmidt of Lander won first for his shot of two baby ducks. Nancy Alley won second for a closeup of a cicada and Gene Schmidt took third for a bluebird with a worm in its mouth.
Honorable mention ribbons were awarded in wildlife to: Garhart Stephenson, Cinthia Hayford, Gene Schmidt, Nancy Alley, and Shannon Givens.
In the Potpourri category, Nancy Alley took first for her shot of a tired sled dog. Ana Skinner took second for her shot of an artist in red in the Sinks Cave and Scott Miller won third for a black and white photo of a bike at Frye Lake.
Honorable mentions in Potpourri went to Garhart Stephanson, Shannon Givens, and Bill Alley.
The flora category saw Nancy Alley win first for her shot of red flowers. Tiffany Shroyer was second with a backlit dandelion and Aidan Hayford third for colorful prickly pear flowers.
Honorable mentions went to Cinthia Hayford, Nancy Alley, and Shannon Givens.
In the Scenic category, Matt Myers won first with a fall shot of the Little Popo Agie. Cinthia Hayford won second for a colorful sunrise paddleboard image, and Bill Alley took third for a shot of Comet Neowise.
Honorable mentions in Scenic went to Matt Myers, Holly Sandefer, and Bill Alley.
The winning pictures will be on display at the Sinks Canyon Visitors Center through Labor Day. You can vote for your favorite while the pictures are at the center, and the People’s Choice ribbon will be awarded Labor Day to the photo with the most votes.
After that, the pictures will be displayed at Westward Heights Care Center and the Museum of the American West.
The contest sponsors are planning some exciting new changes for next year’s contest, so start getting those pictures for 2021 now!
For more information call Sinks Canyon State Park at 307-332-3077 or online at www.sinkscanyonstatepark.org