ERIE COUNTY, NY—The Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry has announced a photo contest, open to Erie County residents, that focuses on the beauty of Erie County’s 10,000-acre parks system. From October 1 – October 21, residents are encouraged to grab their cameras and head for the Erie County Park of their choosing to capture digital images of beautiful fall foliage, serene park scenes, or other natural beauty in the Parks. Rules for the contest can be viewed at http://www2.erie.gov/parks.

“Our parks are beautiful throughout the year, but that beauty is highlighted even more by the brilliance of fall foliage,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz.  “These next few weeks will provide ample opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to snap a few pictures of their favorite sights in our Erie County parks and share them with the world through the Parks website and social media. The top three submissions will be recognized with prizes as well, so I encourage residents to come to our parks for a great autumn experience.”

Participants who live in Erie County can enter by posting their photos on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag   #FallforECParks. Only one entry per person can be submitted, and each submission must note which park the photo was taken at and (if possible) the location in the park. Only horizontal photos may be submitted, with the photos being reused by the Erie County parks department on their website and social media outlets.

“Our park system is expansive, unique, and full of natural wonders,” said Erie County Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel. “October is a wonderful month to enjoy the crisp fall air and stunning natural beauty that our parks offer in abundance, so we are hoping many residents will come out to showcase that beauty in their photos.”

Submitted entries will be judged by Parks Department personnel, with prizes awarded for the top three photos. The first-place photo will be used as the cover photo on the Parks’ Department Facebook and Twitter pages and the entrant will receive a voucher for a shelter rental at any Erie County Park (up to $120); the second-place photo will receive a voucher for a shelter rental at any Erie County Park (up to $70); and the third-place photo will receive a half-gallon of 100% pure maple syrup from the Erie County forest.

Entries will be posted on the Parks’ Department social media accounts as they are received through October 21.