Contest entries for photos, videos, and essays will be accepted starting Monday, July 16

Know the easiest way to start a conversation with another St. Augustine resident? Just ask “So, how’d you get to St. Augustine?” Without a doubt, the story will be interesting for it seems that our city has residents who can boast a host of origins, adventures, and simply great stories about how they arrived in The Nation’s Oldest City or what has made life here special for them.

As part of the city’s 450th anniversary commemoration, the city has launched a contest inviting the public to use their skills at photography, videography or the written word to answer one question: What is your St. Augustine story?

And for telling your story, there is the possibility of winning cash prizes.

Organized under the banner of The Story of Us, the three categories are meant to share what contest organizers describe as “the story of the people and families who have given their heart, soul, sweat and tears to shape not only St. Augustine, but Florida and the United States. It is the story of the making of America, which started in St. Augustine almost 450 years ago.”

Of course, it is not just St. Augustine residents who have a St. Augustine story. Lots of people do and so the contest is open to photographers, videographers, and writers regardless of age, residence, citizenship, or ability level.

For the photography category, entries are limited to one photo with an accompanying title and 25 word or less caption, and for the videography category, the submission must be no more than two minutes in length. Those entering in the essay category are limited to 150 words or less to tell their story. While one person may enter more than one category, only one entry per category is permitted.

First place winners in each category will receive $450, second place received $350, third place $250 and fourth and fifth each being awarded $100.

Entries may be submitted anytime between Monday, July 16 and Thursday, August 16 after which the judging panel will select five entries based on originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact, artistic merit, and depiction of the contest theme. The work of the finalists will be posted on-line allowing the public the opportunity to vote for its favorite work in each category during the two week period of September 7-21. The winners will be announced by September 28.

Complete contest details and guidelines are available at www.staugustine-450.com, or by calling the 450th Commemoration office at 904.825.1053.

Source: City of St. Augustine