\n\tThe 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.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe contest is open to both residents and visitors. All entries must be taken in one of the five island communities\u2014Alburgh, Grand Isle, Isle la Motte, North Hero or South Hero\u2014and 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.<\/p>\n
\n\tFor inspiration, check out\u00a0The Champlain Islands 2020-2021 Resource Guide<\/em>, available at many local businesses or online at\u00a0www.champlainislands.com\/publications<\/a>. The guide provides information about shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities in the islands along with COVID-related safety tips.<\/p>\n \n\t“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.”<\/p>\n \n\tThree photo contest winners will be chosen on both August\u00a031 and September\u00a030, 2020. Entries will be accepted until the day prior for each contest.\u00a0Prizes 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.<\/p>\n \n\tEntries should be emailed to\u00a0info<\/span> [at] champlainislands.com<\/span><\/span>. 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\/<\/a>).<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cLake 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.<\/p>\n