The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) today launched a new photo contest to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Governor Oswald West's landmark 1913 bill protecting public access to the Oregon coastline. OPRD is inviting people to submit both contemporary and historic family photos of recreation on the Oregon shore throughout the month of July for a chance to win two nights' stay in a State Park yurt.
"In many states, the beaches are privately owned. This photo contest is a way for people to share their memories of the coast and show that our free public beaches are something unique that links all Oregonians together," said Richard Walkoski, Communications and Research Specialist with OPRD. "It's a great way to honor the legacy of Oswald West."
Submissions will be accepted through July 31st. The winner of the contest will be decided by the public via online voting to take place August 1-15. Both the top photo and three runner-ups will be displayed at the Oregon State Fair in Salem August 23-September 2.
The contest is open to non-professional photographers 18 years and older, and photos should be original digital images or high-resolution scans. You must have permission from all subjects to have their image displayed online. OPRD employees and their family members are ineligible to participate. Information about Oswald West, the photo contest rules, and a link to the entry form can be found at www.celebratetheshore.org.