Alder Grove Heritage Society’s 2019 “Aldergrove Memories” photo contest entries were displayed inside the Kinsmen Community Centre over the fair weekend (July 20- 21).
The society first announced a call for submissions earlier this year, for five categories ranging from local landmarks, animals, events, “then and now” photo comparisons as well as images that convey a story.
“It was a very positive event for us,” said AGHS director Robin Bandenieks.
“We sold a lot of books, signed up new members and engaged with many people,” she said about the exhibit.
Pictures submitted were from 2018 or 2019 – with the exception of the vintage photographs – and taken within a predetermined Aldergrove boundary.
Professional judges chose winners from a series of images in each category, as well as dozens overall.
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First place was awarded to Carla Hamilton for her landscape submission of a pick-up truck and small town scene, taken at the Canadian Western Studio backlot on MacInnes Farms at 25160 72nd Ave.
Hamilton received a display easel valued at $100 and a black poster frame with showcase-worthy plexiglass, for also taking first in the animal category for her capture of deer in Aldergrove’s snow-laden zoo.
“I learned a lot about areas in Aldergrove I never knew of before because of this contest,” Bandenieks said eagerly, admitting she was able to visit a parks pictured in one submission in her spare time.
“We live in such a beautiful little town,” Bandenieks finished.
Ten-year-old Rose LaFleur took first place in the youth category for her photo of a cat peering through what appears to be staircase railings. Judges said the pet was well-framed in the picture.
Winner of the people’s choice award, which gallery-goers casted their ballots for during the fair, was Caitlynn Mackenzie.
Mackenzie’s photo focused on a slug eating a mushroom at Aldergrove Regional Park.
Other winners have been listed on the Aldergrove Fair website.