It's an excuse to take more pictures, as well as a chance to show them off, province-wide. The Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association is holding its annual Regional Parks Photo Contest.

“There's over 70 accredited Regional Parks throughout Saskatchewan,” said Stevie Peiffer, Office Administrator with the SRPA. “All of them have different amenities and different natural settings, so anything from the Boreal forest to the badlands, and kind of everything in between so what we really hope this contest does is inspire people to visit different Regional Parks throughout the province.”

She said first prize is $250, with the winner's photo on the cover of the 2020 Regional Park Guide.

“Our 2019 Photo Contest showcases recreation in Regional Parks across Saskatchewan,” said Peiffer. “Prizes include season passes, cash prizes, and your photo could be on the cover of the 2020 Regional Park Guide, which is distributed across western Canada and the northwestern United States. It's open to anyone who is visiting Regional Parks across Saskatchewan this summer.”

She said anyone looking for ideas can visit the SRPA Instagram page.

“What we really want to see is people just enjoying what Regional Parks have to offer, so whether it's s'mores around a campfire, kayaking, fishing, bird-watching or hiking some nature trails, we really just love to see people out enjoying the recreation opportunities provided by these Regional Parks across the province,” she said.

Contest entries can be made by using the hashtag #srpaphotocontest on your Instagram photos, or by visiting their web site, where contest rules and regulations are also fully listed.

The contest closes October 15th, when a panel of three judges involved with the association will determine the winners. Second prize is $150, third prize is $100, and the honourable mention receives a free season pass to any Saskatchewan Regional Park.