Lake Champlain Islands Contest Seeks COVID-Smart Photo Entries

By Julianna White, Research Program Coordinator (Email the author)
August 12, 2020

The University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Lake Champlain Sea Grant Program and the Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation (LCIEDC) are co-sponsoring a photo contest this summer to promote safety and tourism in the Lake Champlain Islands during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The contest is open to both residents and visitors. All entries must be taken in one of the five island communities—Alburgh, Grand Isle, Isle la Motte, North Hero or South Hero—and show COVID-smart activities at businesses and attractions such as wearing a mask at a favorite island market or social distancing with friends while enjoying a sunset or recreational activity.

For inspiration, check out The Champlain Islands 2020-2021 Resource Guide, available at many local businesses or online at www.champlainislands.com/publications. The guide provides information about shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities in the islands along with COVID-related safety tips.

"Sustaining the coastal tourism industry during this pandemic is a tall order," said Sherri Potvin, LCIEDC executive director. "Businesses have new operating procedures to protect both people and the coastal resources on which they depend. The photo contest will help document people's COVID-smart behaviors and increase confidence that vacationing in the Lake Champlain Islands is safe."

Three photo contest winners will be chosen on both August 31 and September 30, 2020. Entries will be accepted until the day prior for each contest. Prizes will be gift certificates from local businesses including Blue Paddle Bistro, Emmons Supermarket, Keeler's Bay Variety Store, Shore Acres Inn and Restaurant, Snow Farm Vineyard, and The North Hero House.

Entries should be emailed to info [at] champlainislands.com. There is no fee to enter and no limit to the number of entries per person. Winning photos will be posted on LCIEDC's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LCIEDC/).

“Lake Champlain Sea Grant is pleased to be able to help promote awareness of and safe access to local businesses in the Champlain Islands during these challenging times," said Kris Stepenuck, Extension leader for Lake Champlain Sea Grant.

For more information about the contest, call (802) 372-8400 or send an email to info [at] champlainislands.com.