By Paige Nash
Photographers of all ages and experience levels were invited to compete in a community-wide contest hosted by Webster Parish Libraries- Minden Main Branch and the Greater Minden Chamber. They were asked to submit a photo or photos capturing special aspects of the Minden community and surrounding areas of Webster Parish.
The library looks forward to having this event every year. “It’s wonderful to see participants who are inspired to look at our community through the lens of their own life experiences and share them with us for this purpose,” said Kim Sentell, Director of Marketing/Community Liaison with Webster Parish Libraries.
Out of the 55 participating photographers the winners were Melissa Morgan Mason, Justin Lee, Patti Hughes and Erin O’Daniel.
The photographers competed in different categories, including:
- “Enjoying Webster Parish” – photos of visitors or residents attending events, work, dining or shopping
- “Webster Parish Charm” – showcase culture and uniqueness of the parish in some way
- “Webster Parish Adventures and Recreation” – display sporting teams, boating, hiking, cycling or other ways to play or relax
- “Places to visit in Webster Parish” – include museums, lakes, parks, scenery, etc.
The library and chamber partnered in the event for the first time this year, giving the chamber the opportunity to use the photos of the winners on the cover and throughout the 2022 Greater Minden Chamber Business Directory and Community Guide. “We are always looking for photos that highlight things that happen in Minden or Webster Parish throughout the year,” said Chamber President/CEO, Jana Morgan.
Erin O’Daniel’s photo of Lake Bistineau will be featured on the front cover and the photos taken by the other winners will be featured on pages within the directory.
This directory is published every year and showcases the parish, focusing on topics of history, education, healthcare, the economy and local attractions. It serves as a useful resource for existing, new or future residents.
Once the chamber receives the 2,500 printed copies, they will be distributed to the local libraries, hospitals, hotels and businesses around the parish.
“People have gotten accustomed to coming to the library to get their copy of the directory,” said Sentell. “The Chamber usually drops off a few cases and we leave them out on the information table. The community really enjoys them.”
The directory was a community effort with the Greater Minden Chamber and their members who bought advertising, Webster Parish Libraries, Split Sea Marketing, and the local photographers who sent in their photos. It is available for viewing digitally now on the Great Minden Chamber website and will be available in print format in a couple of weeks.
*Patti Hughes was unable to attend the awards ceremony and is not pictured.
