Texas Border Business
If you’re looking for fun and educational kid activities this summer, nature photography is a great way to pull them away from the computer and TV. The Valley Land Fund and Quinta Mazatlán invite your children and/or youth group to enter the Southern Exposures Youth Nature Photo Contest!
Children from ages 5 to 18 can enter their original photographs taken in nature this summer in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The contest is designed for all ages and all experience levels. Every child will be a winner with one featured image in the Photo Exhibit, receive a free t-shirt and enjoy the Awards Ceremony at Quinta Mazatlán on the evening of August 19th, 2021.
The Valley Land Fund and Quinta Mazatlán are proud to host the 2021 Southern Exposures Youth Photo Contest (SXP). “This contest encourages parents to take children out in nature this summer to enjoy, appreciate and photograph nature,” shares Manager of Quinta Mazatlán Colleen Hook. Up to three photographs may be submitted per child and must be received at Quinta Mazatlán no later than August 3rd, 2021. Photos must be printed on 8×10 photo paper with SXP Entry Form taped to the back of the print and delivered to Quinta Mazatlán in McAllen, Texas.
Jurors will evaluate each submission on composition, color, overall quality and “storyline” of the photograph when making their selections. Jurors will award one image per child to be featured in the Photo Exhibit, with rules respected. “Additional cash prizes will be awarded for 10 Honorable Mentions”, said Executive Director of the Valley Land Fund Debralee Rodriguez. Thanks to H-E-B, Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, Quinta Mazatlán and the Valley Land Fund, this contest is free for all children to enter and have fun learning this summer.
Professional wildlife photographer Ruth Hoyt will be hosting Saturday photo workshops on June 26th, July 10th, July 17th, July 24th and July 31st. Morning sessions at Quinta Mazatlán are from 8 am to 10 am and designed for 8 to 12 year olds. Ages 13 to 18 can attend the 10:30 am to 12:30 pm workshop with indoor and outdoor elements. Limited number of cameras are available for the kids to use. Advance preregistration is required at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com for $5 per student.
For photo strolls through the park with a naturalist, all ages are welcome to bring their phone/camera on Photo FUN Fridays at Quinta Mazatlán from 10 am to 12 noon with advance registration, $3 per student.
Viewing the natural world through a phone/camera lens gives your children a whole new way to connect with and appreciate nature. For more information on SXP, please call Quinta Mazatlán at 956-681-3370 or follow Quinta Mazatlán and the Valley Land Fund on social media for more information.
