VERO BEACH — McKee Botanical Garden is currently accepting submissions for its Annual Waterlily Photo Contest that will be held in conjunction with its 11th Annual Waterlily Celebration on June 20.
The Garden will accept photo submissions for the contest through June 16. Photos must be of waterlilies photographed at McKee in 2014 or 2015 with film or digital cameras. Participants may submit one photo in each of three categories: Color, Black and White, and Manipulated. A Youth category is also available for photographers ages 17 and under. To download a complete list of guidelines and entry form, please visit www.mckeegarden.org.
Photos will be displayed for judging during McKee’s Waterlily Celebration from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. A first, second and third place winner and two honorable mentions will be chosen in each of the three style categories. In addition, visitors will be able to cast their vote for a “People’s Choice” favorite. First place winners will receive an annual family membership to McKee valued at $60; second place winners will win four guest passes; third place winners will receive a pair of guest passes, and honorable mention winners will get to have their photos featured with the other winners on the McKee website and Facebook page.
Youth photographers may also submit one photo in each of the three categories, however submissions will be judged as a single category. The Youth first place winner will receive six guest passes to McKee, second place winner will receive four guest passes, third place will win a pair of guest passes and the honorable mention winners will also have their winning photos featured on McKee’s web and Facebook pages.
“Waterlilies are one of the Garden’s most photographed subjects,” said McKee Botanical Garden Executive Director Christine Hobart. “Our Annual Waterlily Photo Contest is a chance for photographers of all ages to show off their skills and let others see how they’ve captured our signature flower.”
McKee’s 11th Annual Waterlily Celebration will take place June 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to the waterlily photo display, attendees will also have a chance to view the Garden’s collection of more than 100 varieties and 300 individual waterlily plants at its peak. In addition, the event will feature waterlily repotting demonstrations, expert Q&A, and a plant sale including aquatics, bromeliads, orchids and tillandsia as well as vintage garden furniture and accents. Summer admission rates apply.
McKee Botanical Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all. McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US 1 in Vero Beach. Summer admission rates are $10 adults, $9 seniors and $5 children ages 3 to 12. Admission is free for members and children under 3. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. The Garden is closed Mondays. For more information, please call (772) 794-0601 or visit www.mckeegarden.org.
