That amazing picture you just took of Fido or Fluffy could win you some big bucks.
A calendar featuring prize-winning photos of Jefferson County pets will be sold at the third annual Leader Pet Expo, slated for May 7 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro.
Leader Publications, which is sponsoring the event with the Hillsboro Community Civic Club, is holding a contest to find pet photos for the calendar.
Calendars will sell for $5 and proceeds will be donated to the Jefferson County Animal Control Division.
Readers of all ages are encouraged to submit photos of their pet for the contest. (Do not email photos; a print is required for judging purposes.)
Leader photographers and staffers will select the best shots for use in the calendar. The top choice will win the $200 grand prize and be featured on the calendar cover.
Photos that have appeared in past Leader photo contests are not eligible; however, owners may send a different photo of the same pet.
Selection will be based on the quality of the photographs. Judges will evaluate pictures on creativity, composition, charm and technical aspects such as focus, lighting and cropping. Entries may be color or black and white, and may contain more than one pet. The photo should be rectangular, with a horizontal orientation.
In order to be eligible, the photo must be on photo paper, and must be accompanied by the following information:
■ The photographer’s name, address, daytime phone number and age.
■ The name and age of all pets in the photo.
■ The date and place the photo was taken.
■ The names of any people in the photo.
There is a limit of three entries per person. Deadline for submitting a photo is 5 p.m. Friday, March 31. Send entries to: Leader Pet Calendar, P.O. Box 159, Festus, 63028, or drop off at the Leader office, 503 N. Second St., Festus.
Photos can be picked up at the office after April 30. Entries will be mailed back if submitted with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Expo to feature vendors, shows, displays, food
Booth spaces are available at $75 for vendors wishing to take part in the Leader Pet Expo, scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 10349 Business 21, in Hillsboro.
Admission to the event is $1 and parking is free. The admission fee will be donated to the Hillsboro Community Civic Club.
Leader publisher Pam LaPlant said this year’s event should be “even bigger and better” than the first two.
“We are very excited,” she said. “It’s a fun day, and it’s so neat to see how much people in Jefferson County care about animals. They really love their pets.”
Vendors will be on hand displaying a variety of goods and services for pets and their owners. Pet-themed entertainment is planned and there will be food available for the humans, and “comfort stations” for pets.
For information about the contest or the Pet Expo, call the Leader at 636-931-7560.