The assignment:
Take a photo that shows the fun and frivolity of Florence and presents the area as Oregon’s Coastal Playground.
The moment:
“This is the best day ever, Grandma!” So Grandma captured the moment of sheer joy and triumph on her iPhone.
The result:
Grandma won the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual photo contest.
“Grandma” is Robyn Wargo of Roseburg whose granddaughter, 3-year-old Eowyn of Eugene, was having the time of her life flying a kite for the first time.
Wargo was on a family vacation with her son, daughter-in-law, her son’s mother-in-law, and her three grandchildren in July of this year at Driftwood Shores Resort Hotel in Florence.
“Robyn captured exactly that what we hoped for with the photo of her granddaughter running with abandon along the beach while flying a kite,” said Bettina Hannigan, president/CEO of the Chamber.
“We were out early in the morning on Heceta Beach having a good time together,” said Wargo about the day. “Eowyn’s dad had brought kites. The kids had never flown kites. Eowyn was so proud of herself. It wasn’t an attempt to win a contest, it was just a grandma trying to get a memorable shot of her granddaughter. I’m as surprised as I am honored to win.”
“Each year we look for the best amateur or professional photos of the fun, frolic, famous attractions, and iconic scenery from within 20 miles of this place we call ‘Oregon’s Coastal Playground’ that show Florence as a fun and memorable vacation destination,” said Hannigan.
“I was looking up information online about Florence and came across the call for entries. I asked my son if I could enter the picture of Eowyn and he said ‘Go for it,’” recalled Wargo.
Each year, the winner collects a $250 cash prize and has their photo featured in the Chamber’s directory and visitor resource guide, other printed marketing pieces, on their website, and in social media.
“We had scores of amazing photos again this year,” said Hannigan. “There were some dramatic photos of surfers, ATV riders, gorgeous panoramas, and interesting people with their pets in and around Florence. The judges were a panel of more than a dozen Chamber and travel and tourism industry leaders.”
“So next time someone tells you to ‘go fly a kite,’ think of Florence—Oregon’s Coastal Playground—and get the photo. It could be your ‘best day ever,’ and worth $250,” she added.
