Photo contest highlights America’s State Parks

One of my favorite parts of opening the weekend edition of The Record-Courier is the Valley Views section, featuring photographs taken by area residents. From up-close flower details to vast sky expanses, the images displayed in Valley Views are proof positive that the Carson Valley is home not only to some spectacular scenery, but also to a bevy of talented photographers.

Through the end of this month, shutterbugs across the nation are invited to take part in the 2021 America’s State Parks Photo Contest. Participants may submit original photographs within five different categories: activities (such as fishing, rock climbing, hiking, or OHV adventures), camping, wildlife, friends & family, and scenic & seasons. Photographs entered into this contest must be taken on lands managed by America’s State Parks.

The Nevada State Parks website encourages “nature lovers and amateur photographers” to showcase their skills by drawing inspiration from the numerous beautiful parks located throughout the Silver State (parks.nv.gov/events/americas-state-parks-photo-contest).

This annual nationwide photo contest launched in 2017, and visitors to Nevada State Parks have been awarded grand prizes in two of the past four years. An image from Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park in Ely took the top prize in 2017, as did an image from Sand Harbor State Park in Incline Village the following year.

Approximately $5,000 in prizes will be distributed to winners this year, courtesy of the online camping reservation company ReserveAmerica (reserveamerica.com). An “Ultimate Camping Package” will be awarded as the grand prize.

To enter, create an account at stateparksphotocontest.org, choose the appropriate category and select the location where the photo was taken, and upload photos before the July 31 deadline. The contest is open to legal residents of one of the 50 United States or Washington, DC who are at least 18 years of age. A complete list of official rules can be found on the entry webpage, along with a gallery of previous entries and the grand prize-winning photographs.

The Carson Valley enjoys close proximity to a number of State Parks including: Mormon Station State Historic Park in Genoa, Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe, and Washoe Lake State Park in Carson City/New Washoe City. For a complete list of Nevada’s State Parks, visit parks.nv.gov.

Elks offer July dining events

The next Tahoe/Douglas Elks Dine & Dash is tomorrow night from 5-7 p.m. Menu is a fish fry with friend shrimp, fries or onion rings, and coleslaw for a $25 donation. Each meal provides two servings.

Reservations must be made by 4:30 p.m. today. Call the lodge at 775-265-5483 and leave a message with your name, number of orders for two you’d like, preference for fries or onion rings, and the time you’d like to pick up the order.

Beginning July 22, the Elks invite the public to Taco Night on the 4th Thursday of each month from 5-6:30 p.m.

Dinner includes homemade rice, beans, chips, fresh guacamole, accompaniments and dessert for $5. Extra tacos are $3 each with a complete dinner purchase, and beverages are available at the bar.

Starting July 25, the Elks host Family Breakfast on the 4th Sunday of each month from 8:30-10 a.m. The menu includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, orange juice, and coffee, along with a made-to-order omelet bar featuring a variety of fresh additions.

Cost for Elks members and spouses is $9 per adult and $6 for children age 10 and younger. Cost for non-Elks members is $10 for adults and $7 for children age 10 and younger.

These dining events are held at the Tahoe/Douglas Elks Lodge, 1227 Kimmerling Road in the Gardnerville Ranchos. Proceeds from Elks events support local programs for veterans, youth, and senior citizens.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.