SE Illinois News

State Representative Patrick Windhorst has announced the commencement of the 2024 "Southern Illinois is Beautiful" photo contest. This marks the second year of the event, which previously attracted numerous entries and a significant number of votes from local residents.

Windhorst expressed enthusiasm for this year's contest, stating, "This year’s contest will have two categories, students aged Kindergarten through age 21 and an adult category for those over the age of 21." He added, "Southern Illinois is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and we are blessed with many talented students and adults that I believe will make this year’s ‘Southern Illinois is Beautiful’ photo contest bigger and better than last year."

Participants are encouraged to submit their photographs showcasing Southern Illinois' beauty via email to Windhorst@ILHouseGOP.org by November 8, 2024. Each submission must include the photographer's name and specify where in Southern Illinois the photo was taken.

Three finalists will be selected in each category. Public voting will commence on Tuesday, November 12th and conclude on Tuesday, November 26th at 5:00 PM. The finalist photos will be available for voting on Rep. Windhorst's official Facebook page. The photos receiving the most likes and loves will win. Winners will be announced at noon on Friday, November 29th.

Winning photographs will be displayed in Rep. Windhorst's Harrisburg and West Frankfort District Offices as well as his Springfield Capitol office. Additionally, winners will receive an official certificate of congratulations from the Illinois House of Representatives.

For further details, interested parties can visit Rep. Windhorst’s official website at RepWindhorst.com or his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/StateRepWindhorst/.