We are looking for your best shot.

Entries in this category should depict special scenes that you treasure as a resident in rural America. Activities, transportation, architecture, and healthy living are examples of what we are looking for. 

Agriculture is the primary industry in Southern Illinois. We take pride in producing goods to sustain our nation and local communities. We welcome all submissions depicting farming, animal raising, gardening, and cultivation of land. 

Resting along the Mighty Mississippi, 60 miles from metropolitan St. Louis, and sitting on the edge of the Shawnee National Forest, surrounded by bluffs, lakes, and rolling hills, Southern Illinois contains some of the most beautiful scenes of nature. This category is your area to share your shots of our breathtaking scenery. Sunsets, sunrises, rivers, bridges, lakes, woodlands, hiking trails, flowers, plants and wildlife. Share your best nature images here. 

From athletics to leisurely exercise, parades, picnics, and play, there are many opportunities for movement, exercise, and recreation in our region. Do you have a spectacular action shot of a game winning dunk or home run hit? Do you have a well timed photo of local youth participating in music, arts, sports, general fun and play? Do you have an image of community members enjoying a special event or casual stroll in one of our popular locations? We are looking for images that depict rural health. Ways our community members are active, engaged, and involved in creating and sustaining a healthy environment for our residents to thrive in.