Winners of the 2023 'Discover the Peace' Photo Contest Announced

The winners of the 2023 'Discover the Peace' Photo Contest were announced last night, at the Photo Contest Reception held at the County Administration Building.

Participants and their families joined residents and Councillors for an evening viewing of the submissions and the presentation of awards to the winners. A generous array of refreshments and nibbles were provided by local caterer, Yvonne Rogers, that guests were able to enjoy throughout the event.

Reeve Alvin Hubert was present to announce the winners of the Public Choice vote and Overall Winner, and judge's Billi Comstock, Duncan Malkinson, and last year's winner Britney Jacob, were present to announce their chosen winners.

Alongside images, participants were asked to submit a message detailing what they love most about living in Saddle Hills County and the Peace Region. Messages are displayed with the images and were considered during judging.

The exhibition will remain in place until after the County Christmas Event on December 6, and is available for members of the public during regular office hours.

Each of the winners received a cheque and gift bag and will have their images featured online, in the County calendar, and in various other publications. The overall winner also received a framed copy of the winning image and is invited to participate as a judge during next year's contest.

Youth

Public Choice

3rd Place Youth

Gracie Dolen

“The thing I love most about living in Saddle Hills County is that everything is very accessible, and the people are very welcoming!”

2nd Place Youth

Paige Dolen

“The things I love most about living in Saddle Hills County and the Peace Region is the landscape, the wildlife in the area, and the low population density.”

1st Place Youth

Johannah Stahl

“I love the Peace Country because it’s beautiful and it’s an awesome place to grow up. Everyone is friendly and laid-back. I am amazed with the scenery and just think it’s the best place on earth.”

Adult

Public Choice

3rd Place Adult

Anna Richard

“When I moved to Saddle Hills four years ago it looked like a fairy place to me - vast plains with golden fields, serene mossy forests with lost in time trails, vibrant scenery in every corner, and wildlife in a backyard. I thought I would get used to it, but the enchanting beauty of the nature still mesmerizes and it’s still my fairy place. Here I became a photographer, as this place is an eternal source of inspiration for me. And the most precious treasure of Saddle Hills is kind, thoughtful, hardworking, energetic people, who always make our community better. All this makes our little place really special.”

2nd Place Adult

Judy Stahl

“We moved here from the Airdrie area and just absolutely love it here, the peace and quiet is deafening. Love, love, love the community and how everyone looks out for each other. The scenery is just out of this world some days. Everyone helps each other out in a time of need. Just all around the Peace Country is wonderful!”

1st Place Adult

Anna Richard

“Wildlife is our backyard. We are always busy, but it’s important to find time to stop, stare, relax, and enjoy the moment. Saddle Hills fills me with moments like this every day.”

Youth

Judge's Choice

3rd Place Youth

Paige Dolen

“The things I love most about living in Saddle Hills County and the Peace Region is the landscape, the wildlife in the area, and the low population density.”

2nd Place Youth

Gracie Dolen

“The thing I love most about living in Saddle Hills County is that everything is very accessible, and the people are very welcoming!”

1st Place Youth

Johannah Stahl

“I love the Peace Country because it’s beautiful and it’s an awesome place to grow up. Everyone is friendly and laid-back. I am amazed with the scenery and just think it’s the best place on earth.”

Adult

Judge's Choice

3rd Place Adult

Lyla Yanishewski

“Above all, I love the natural beauty of Saddle Hills County. From the delicate hoar frost in the winter to the magnificent colours in the fall, the beauty is all around us to explore.”

2nd Place Adult

Karen Egge

“We love the changing seasons and the opportunity to explore the Saddle Hills with quads from the back yard. It was such a golden warm afternoon as we headed for the hills for a ride. We stopped for coffee and just enjoyed the beautiful fall colours.”

1st Place Adult

Anna Richard

“Wildlife is our backyard. We are always busy, but it’s important to find time to stop, stare, relax, and enjoy the moment. Saddle Hills fills me with moments like this every day.”

Anna Richard

Overall Winner

Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest and attended the event. It was a pleasure to see the amazing talent of our community and hear the inspiring and heart-warming words about the beautiful place we get to call home.

We can't wait to see what the community has for us next year!

Photographs from the event were kindly provided by the Central Peace Signal.