Digital photo contest launched to highlight neighborhoods, businesses, community organizations and residents; awards and prizes given at pep rally in August
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (June 15, 2016) – Following the success of last year’s award-winning Schenectady Smiles – Miles of Smiles community appreciation event, Buzz Media Solutions announced today the launch of the 2016 Schenectady Smiles Photo Contest.
Buzz Media Solutions is joining forces with the City of Schenectady, neighborhoods, local businesses and community organizations once again this summer for the second community-wide pride effort; the Schenectady Smiles Photo Contest/Art Show and Schenectady Smiles Pep Rally.
“Participation in last year’s Miles of Smiles event went far beyond our hopes and expectations. It was really amazing to see hundreds of people of all ages and from all walks of life, including local businesses, nonprofits, and Schenectady residents come together by lining up on State Street for the stretch of an entire mile to showcase their community pride,” said Jeff Goronkin of Buzz Media Solutions.
“This year, we wanted to be more inclusive and accessible, and expand further into Schenectady’s neighborhoods. The Schenectady Smiles Photo Contest is a great way to achieve that and really open up the community appreciation effort to all parts of the city,” added Goronkin. “It seems like everyone has a camera or smartphone these days and can easily snap a photo of something they appreciate about Schenectady, something that truly makes them smile, which they can share with us all.”
“The Schenectady Smiles Photo Contest and pep rally is yet another way for our community to shine, to show just how far we’ve come and to highlight the many assets and talented people we have in our unique neighborhoods throughout the city,” said Bob Harvey, president of Schenectady United Neighborhoods (SUN).
Additional community partners include: The Daily Gazette, Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC), MVP Healthcare, Transfinder and Schenectady County Community College.
“The Daily Gazette is happy to be part of this community-building event,” said Daily Gazette Editor Judy Patrick. “We’re also very excited to see our city through the lens of all the contest participants.”
This year’s Schenectady Smiles photo contest, focuses on five different categories featuring the city of Schenectady. The photo contest begins on June 15th and all digital photos can be submitted at The Daily Gazette’s website: www.dailygazette.com/schenectadysmiles.
Each participant is allowed to submit up to five photos in each of the following five categories:
Category #1 – Diversity (people, art, culture, food) Category #2 – Community Vitality (walkable, vibrant places; transportation, neighborhood pride) Category #3 – Natural Environment (lakes, rivers, preserves, parks, sky, wildlife) Category #4 – Architecture/Urban Design (plazas, buildings, neighborhoods, boulevards) Category #5 – Businesses & Organizations (businesses, non-profits, schools, clubs)
Photo contest winners will be chosen by a committee of community judges awarding 1st & 2nd place prizes, in addition, there will be an online voting component for the general public to vote for the People’s Choice Award – also in each category. All photo entries need to be submitted by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 which allows the contest to run for six weeks and includes two weeks for judging and voting
The Schenectady Smiles Photo Contest Basics:
Must be at least 13 years old to enter the photo contestParticipants can register at the contest page, there’s also a Facebook login componentThe photo contest runs from June 15th to July 27thDigital photos can be submitted online at www.dailygazette.com/schenectadysmilesMaximum of 5 photos allowed per category (there are 5 categories)Digital photographs must not be larger than 4 MBEligibility requires photos be taken any time after May 1st, 2016 through July 27th, 2016Awards and prizes announced on August 17, 2016Voting for People’s Choice awards runs from Wednesday, July 27, 2016 5:01 p.m. – through Wednesday Aug, 10, 2016 11:59 p.m.Share photo contest activity on social media using #SchenectadySmiles
The photos will be displayed online at DailyGazette.com and the winners’ photos will also be put on display in an art exhibit at Schenectady City Hall in August. The Schenectady Smiles Pep Rally and Schenectady Smiles Photo Contest Awards Ceremony will be held on the steps of Schenectady City Hall at 10:30 a.m. on August 17, 2016.
For more information and regular updates please visit: www.dailygazette.com/schenectadysmiles or www.facebook.com/schenectadysmiles.
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