ORCHARD PARK, NY – The organization formed to encourage visitation to Western New York’s Southtowns communities has announced the 4th annual photo contest for shutterbugs. The WNY Southtowns Scenic Byway (WNYSSB) is asking the public to submit pictures they snap of the area for judging and eventual display during the 2025 holiday season.
“We promote and encourage people to explore our many terrific communities and decided that the public is the best source for examples of what the Southtowns offers,” said Byway President, Robert J. Lennartz.
Photos can be submitted through the website WNYSSB.org. Rules and other information are also available at this web address.
There is a slight change for the 2025 contest. “We are encouraging the entry of landscape pictures of the WNY Southtowns for this contest. The WNYSSB is in the preliminary stages of erecting a permanent display in a high-profile area, and so we would like to include the contest entries that show the drama and beauty of our beloved natural topography and flora,” stated Bill Even, Vice President of WNYSSB.
As in the 2024 version, the 2025 contest has two different categories for entry. The “standalone camera” category for those who use a dedicated camera (non-cellphone or non-tablet-type) and the “cellphone/tablet” camera category. For each of the aforementioned categories, first prize will be $150 cash and a copy of the book Nostalgic Buffalo by William C. Even; second prize will be $100 cash; and third prize will be $50 cash.
In addition, the finalists for the contest will get their pictures displayed on the silver screen at the Aurora Theatre in East Aurora.
The deadline for entries will be November 30, 2025.
The Byway Group is engaging professional photographers from publications in the Buffalo area to be the judges.
Only those photos that are taken in these communities will be accepted: • Town of Ashford • Town of Aurora • Town of Boston • Town of Colden • Town of Concord • Village of East Aurora • Village of Ellicottville • Town of Orchard Park • Village of Orchard Park • Town of Springville
Photographers, both professional and amateur, are encouraged to submit their best works. The only other stipulations are that the photos be their own, non-copyrighted creations and that they are limited to five total submissions for this contest.
The not-for-profit Western New York Southtowns Scenic Byway’s mission is:
“To promote economic development and community pride through the thoughtful stewardship of the natural, scenic, cultural, historic, and recreational resources of the byway region.” Those who wish to support the group are encouraged to visit https://wnyssb.org.