Arlington festival features eagle photo contest
Published 10:54 pm Tuesday, January 12, 2010
ARLINGTON — Planning a trip upriver to photograph bald eagles? You might consider entering your pictures in this year’s Eagle Festival photo contest.
The photo contest and a poetry contest are part of the third annual festival Feb. 6, sponsored by the Stillaguamish Tribe and the city of Arlington.
“These contests give people a chance to share their creative talents with the public,” city recreation coordinator Sarah Hegge said. “Being able to capture the perfect photo of a wild animal or compose a meaningful poem are artistic gifts. We want Arlington to be a place where these gifts are shared and valued.”
The Arlington Arts Council is hosting an art show in the City Council chambers during the festival. That’s where contest entries will be displayed.
The photography contest has two categories, eagles and nature, but photographers may enter only one photo in each category. Photos must be at least 8 by 10 inches and no larger than 16 by 20 inches. Prints must be framed and ready to hang. Entry forms are required. The entry deadline is Feb. 3. The first-place eagle photo wins $100 and the first-place nature photo wins $50.
The poetry contest is open to adults and teens. Subject categories are wildlife and nature. People can enter both categories, but may submit only one poem per category.
Deadline to enter also is Feb. 3. The first-place poems win $50.
The festival includes a guided tour of the Port Susan Bay Nature Conservancy, bird watching at Portage Creek sanctuary, live bald eagle presentations by Sarvey Wildlife volunteers, a presentation called Salmon Habitat in the Stilly — Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, musical entertainment, an introduction to the global positioning system and how to find a geo-cache, wagon rides, children’s activities, a scavenger hunt in downtown Arlington and a contest for the ugliest chicken brought to town in a cage or carrier.
The Stillaguamish River watershed is part of one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. Wintering eagles take advantage of the abundance of spawning salmon in the river.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427, gfiege@heraldnet.com.
Contest information
Contest details and entry forms for the Eagle Festival photography and poetry contests are available at www.arlingtonwa.gov or by calling 360-403-3448.
