Balloon festival announces photo contest

Working to become one of Nebraska's leading family events, event coordinators have launched a photography contest for the upcoming 2006 McCook Balloon Fest this weekend.

Balloon festivals provide excellent opportunities for photographers to capture some amazing photographic images. Everyone's in for an excellent show this year. Balloon pilots will be coming to McCook from around the country, painting a variety of color across the Southwest Nebraskan sky.

The contest is open to three different age divisions. Juniors aged 15 & under, adults 16-59 and seniors 60 and over are all invited to enter their photos from this weekend's event. Entries must be received by Nov. 6, and all judging will be final by Nov. 16.

Each entry is eligible for a Grand Prize Hot Air Balloon ride at next year's event.

All other winning entries will be given recognition to their photos posted on the mccookballoonfest.com Web site.

How can you participate in this year's photo contest? Bring your camera to McCook Balloon Fest Saturday and Sunday and spend the day shooting photos.

Printable entry submission forms are available at www.mccookballoonfest.com/gallery.