The Shadow
The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has announced the winners of the 12th Annual Uniquely Alleghany! Photo Contest. Nearly 200 entries were received from 19 local photographers, a contest record. Locals, visitors, amateurs, and professionals were invited to enter the contest. Each photographer could enter up to seven images and all entries were eligible for the Grand Prize. The Grand Prize entry is included on the cover with a small bio about the photographer who received a cash award.
Chamber Marketing Director Josh Taylor stated, “This was such an exciting year because we had so much interest in the contest. We had more photographers and entries than we have ever had and the photos submitted definitely didn’t disappoint. You can be a photographer or just someone who enjoys getting outside and taking photos of scenic areas with an average camera, we welcome everyone to participate. The images allow us to not only create a beautiful calendar, but to also promote the Alleghany Highlands as a great place to live, work and play through advertising in major magazines, placement on social media, in the Alleghany Highlands visitor guide, and so much more.”
The winners were announced Wednesday, November 15 at the Alleghany Highlands Visitors Center. Beverley Bowers was again named the Grand Prize winner for the second straight year with her image titled “Morning Glow” which is a beautiful image of Douthat Lake with a colorful sunrise in the background. Beverley is a lifelong resident of the Alleghany Highlands. She is an avid hiker and kayaker, which has led to her love of landscape photography. She began taking pictures with a simple Samsung cell phone over 10 years ago and it quickly became one of her passions. You can find Beverley on the trails or sightseeing every weekend. Luckily, the Alleghany Highlands offers beautiful views all year long. Beverley is currently the Assistant Director of Public Works for Alleghany County, where she enjoys helping her team of co-workers and serving the local community. She resides in Covington with her husband Tony. They have two daughters and enjoy spending family time whenever possible.
The following photographers won the 12 monthly spots – 1 image each from Tripp Curry, Gavin Dressler, Cheyenne Marcus, Jada Callender and Maria Creasey; 2 images from Darren Seay, Donna Rhodes, Christian Filips and Beverly Bowers.
With many incredible photos submitted, thumbnail images within each month were again included to further show what makes the Alleghany Highlands, Uniquely Alleghany! These images are from photographers: Gavin Dressler, Jada Callender, Bonnie Keyser, Darren Seay, Beverley Bowers, Tripp Curry, Angie Hinebaugh, Laura Robertson, Donna Rhodes, Cheyenne Marcus, Kathy Simpson, Christian Filips, and Jennifer Simpson.
Each year, the Chamber also picks an image to use for its Christmas card and that went to Jennifer Simpson with a beautiful photo of a snow-covered bench sitting along Pott’s Creek.
“The calendars have been very popular the past 11 years and make great Christmas gifts. The 2024 calendar is printed and ready to be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce office/Visitors Center at the Highland Centre – 110 Mall Road in Covington. We thank our community for their continued support of this project”, remarked Teresa Hammond, Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. The calendars sell for $15.00 each and can be shipped with an additional shipping and handling fee. Please call the Chamber at 540-962-2178 if you would like to have your calendars shipped.
“Don’t forget to start taking photos now for next year’s contest”, encourages Taylor, “The Alleghany Highlands is a four season destination and we enjoy having them all represented in the calendar”.
