If a picture's worth a thousand words-then the first annual Sussex County's Sunshine® sunflower photo contest is speaking volumes about Sussex County-its farmland, beauty and community spirit! The Virtual Gallery hosted by NaturallySussex.com is bursting with beautiful entries from professionals, amateurs. Digitally Altered photos bring new dimension to the photos taken of 2010/2011 sunflower fields. More than 100 beautiful and creative entries can be viewed and shared on the site, delivering on the promise to "brighten someone's day".
Contest host Brodhecker Farm is accepting all print entries until October 15th. The entries will be used to create a traveling exhibit. The framed art will be premiered in an exhibit opening at the sponsor location on November 12th. The public is invited to attend or visit the display which will remain at the farm until December 31, 2011. Applications will soon be available for organizations and businesses who would like to host the exhibit in 2012. Contact: Shopkeeper@naturallysussex.com for more details.
A Guest Book on the site welcomes comments from Virtually Gallery visitors. The contest creators hope to spread some "sunshine" around the globe. Adding a geographic location to the Guest Book entry helps to measure the reach of the contest and brings it closer to meeting that goal.
The public response to the photo contest has wonderful. Entries will be accepted for both the Virtual and Print exhibit until October 15, 2011. There is no charge to enter. 2010/2011 photos are being accepted in three classes-Pro/Amateur and Digitally Altered. See naturallysussex.com for entry forms and prize information. *photos -not photographers- must be from Sussex Co NJ.
Showing posts with label farm fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label farm fun. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Spread a little of Sussex County's Sunshine™ around the world! Sunflower photo contest 2011
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| naturallysussex.com |
Sussex County's Sunshine™
Sunflower Photo Contest
hosted by naturallysussex.com
Sunflower fields are bursting into bloom all around Sussex County-delighting visitors and residents with amazing color and fantastic photo opportunities.
NaturallySussex.com wants to spread a little of that "Sussex County Sunshine™" across the world, and is inviting you to enter your favorite Sussex County New Jersey sunflower photos in this first annual Sunflower Photo Contest. Spread the beauty captured through your lens -enter your photos for FREE in the Online AND Print photo contest. Deadline for entries is October 15th-giving you lots of time to get out there! Prizes will be awarded for first place entries in the DIGITAL ONLINE and PRINT categories-Professionals and Amateurs are invited to participate. There's even a DIGITALLY ALTERED category for all those creative types! We can't wait to see what you come up with! Photos taken in 2010 or 2011 will be accepted- Sussex County locations only.
Here are more of the details:
ONLINE Gallery: The NaturallySussex.com Sunflower Photo Gallery will feature digital entries that depict Sussex County NJ sunflowers. Professional, Amateur AND Digitally Altered classes are open to Sussex County visitors and residents.
Photos will be featured online in the NaturallySussex.com virtual gallery until December 31, 2011. Photos will be judged by an independent panel of judges.
Photo credits will be given for entries in the online gallery.
First place prizes (valued at more than $100.00) will be awarded for:
Digital Amateur-Digital Professional and Digitally Altered classes.
Email JPEG files and completed entry forms to shopkeeper@naturallysussex.com by October 15th. *see contest guidelines on the naturallysussex.com site.
This contest is open to the public-photos must have been taken in Sussex County 2010/2011.
IT GETS EVEN BETTER!
NaturallySussex.com and sponsor Brodhecker Farm
want to share your great print photos in a county-wide traveling exhibit thru 2012!
Prints up to 11"x14" will be accepted at Brodhecker Farm until Oct 15th.
Photos must be framed/ready-to-hang*wire hanger please
First place prizes will be awarded in the Print Professional, Print Amatuer and Print Digitally Altered classes. (First place prize valued at more than $100.00 )
A GRAND PRIZE (valued at more than $250.00) will be awarded for the best overall PRINT photo.
An exhibit of all print entries will be on display at Brodhecker Farm through December 31, 2011.
Opening date: November 12, 2011 An artist's reception will mark the opening of the exhibit.
The exhibit will travel throughout the county in 2012 beginning in January at the Homestead Nursing Home in Newton, NJ.
There's no limit to the number of photos you can enter and no fee to enter!
Photos can be submitted to the to both the Digital and Print Classes!
This give you lots of opportunities to share your great pictures.
Photos must have been taken in Sussex County NJ - 2010 or 2011 photos are welcome
For more on the contest, rules, entry forms and prize details visit naturallysussex.com 's Community page and links.
The online Sunflower Photo Gallery is already OPEN for viewing- visit naturallysussex.com and check out some of the first entries received.
Sussex Naturally is looking forward to seeing Sussex County Farmland through your lens.
NOT SURE WHERE TO FIND SUSSEX COUNTY SUNFLOWERS?
Here's a partial list of locations:
Route 565 N near the Skyland's Ball Field and across from Roseline's Bakery (30 acres + maze)
2 Branchville-Lawson Road Hampton Township (7 acres and viewing platform for panoramic view)
Route 94 across from Crystal Springs (Roadside view)
About to bloom:
Rt 15 Sparta (7 acres and viewing platform)
Rt 519 and Branchville- Lawson Road (10 acres)
*visit www.brodheckerfarm.com for a google map of Brodhecker fields
Why so much attention to Sunflowers?
The NJ Grown Black Oil Sunflowers are a cash crop for farmers and a recent addition to JERSEY GROWN. After the spectacular bloom period, the sunflower heads "go to seed".
When fully matured, the seed heads are harvested, cleaned-dried and packaged and are available to consumers for use as wild birdseed.(check out the NJ Black Oil Sunflower Harvest video on YouTube).
Black Oil Sunflower seed is a favorite for wild birds and a number one choice product for bird enthusiasts. JERSEY GROWN Black Oil Sunflower seed was introduced across the state by NJ Audubon as part of their S.A.V.E. initiative. This is the second season Sussex County farmers are growing this crop for direct to the consumer sale.
This year, NJA introduced another S.A.V.E. brand product to the JERSEY GROWN-handcrafted bird feeders and bird houses made from White Cedar grown in the Garden State. NJA Birdfeeders and Birdhouses are available in the naturallysussex.com marketplace and at various retail and farm locations throughout the state.
NJ Audubon continues to build bridges between conservation and agriculture for the benefit of all NJ residents. Those who appreciate JERSEY GROWN products will be glad to know S.A.V.E. products are produced here in the Garden State.
NJ Audubon has brought leadership, vision and innovation to the goal of preserving our natural resources and working in compliment with NJ Farmers to bring new products to the market.
Now that you know more about sunflowers-Grab your camera and get out there!
Sunflowers mature in several stages. Watch the fields as they come to full color and then mature to seed. Capture the beauty with your camera and be part of this fun-FREE- contest.
Sussex County's Sunshine Sunflower Photo Contest ® 2011 Dandelion Creative,LLC Hosted by: naturallysussex.com
Sponsored by: Brodhecker Farm Newton
prizes packs may be subject to change
no cash substitutes for prozes
Friday, August 20, 2010
A moment in time NJ State Fair snapshot
They say you can't rewind time-but Sussex County seems to have found a way to slow it down a bit-at least during the ten days of the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show/NJ State Fair. The Fair, held annually in the beginning of August, has a long heritage in the community. For the past seventy years, the Sussex County agricultural community has set aside ten days to celebrate their heritage, showcase their accomplishments and come together to produce an event unlike any other-a County Fair rich in history, family entertainment and good old fashioned fun!
The Fair officially opens to the sound of a rooster crow which seems to magically cast a spell over the agricultural section of the Fairgrounds, transporting exhibitors,visitors, residents back to a time when life's rhythm, purpose and joy were far easier to discern and drink in.
With livestock barns filled with barn animals raised by local farm families and 4H club members, the Fairgrounds comes to life with a symphony of sound. The livestock and other 4H exhibits represent the best of the 4H members' project year. They're brought to the SC Fairgrounds in Augusta for exhibit, competition and pleasure. Chicken, sheep, cows, swine and goats that have been bred, born and raised by Sussex County 4H members are housed in several barn buildings which were erected thanks to the sweat equity, fundraising and careful management of generations past. The animals are shown in the livestock arena and judged by professional livestock judges throughout the week. Each species of farm animal are judged, awarded ribbons, trophies and premiums based on their quality, condition and breed characteristics as evaluated by the judge. After the Fair, the animals return to the farm, where they will be cared for throughout the year. Some are bred to carry on or improve the overall quality of the farm's livestock production.
To the young exhibitors, the Fair is a culmination of a year's effort. 4H-er's are delighted to compete, learn, showcase and improve in their project area-with an eye on next year's event. Anticipation of participating with their club members in "The Fair" offers a sometimes needed "incentive" to rise to the challenge of early morning feedings, barn cleaning and icy winter days-when it would be much nicer to stay snug under the covers.
Seasoned agriculturalists also have the opportunity to compete in equestrian events, grain and forage exhibits, flower and vegetable competitions, baking and canning competitions and more. Traditional and modern Home Ec. exhibits like: crafting, quilting and needle work round out the offerings in the Richards building- a large building erected for showcasing the talents of the community. Visitors have the additional opportunity to view and purchase photography and art submitted by community residents who capture the essence and beauty of Sussex County through their art. Many professional photographers and artists call Sussex County home. The diverse natural beauty of the region is a constant source of inspiration to those with creative talent.
The Fair ended on Sunday August 15th with a long overdue rain. As I made my way back to the field where I had parked my car, my attention was drawn to a young dad and his daughter. These Dairy exhibitors seemed impervious to the rainfall as they headed to the livestock trailer carrying trophies and tack. The young girl's blonde ponytail swung in synchronized motion to the tail of the young black and white calf trailing behind her on a lead. I caught up to the trio in time to overhear her animated monologue about her time in the arena as her dad patiently listened and to hear his recollection of when, as a boy, he and his siblings showed their livestock at the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show. In that moment, as the rain fell on the pair, time paused and life and family was once what is used to be-they say all things change...but for a moment it was refreshing to know some things don't have to.
We live in a crazy, high-speed world that is too often chaotic and demanding. The pressures of the day don't escape farmers and their family, in fact, they can be more impactful in some ways. But wise folk know that heritage, roots and tradition can't be substituted or replaced-it's a treasure, a legacy and something worth preserving.
Thank you to the Sussex County Agricultural Community and residents for your community spirit, volunteer hours and passion. For seventy years your efforts to present an event that preserves our agricultural heritage and showcase the best of community and human spirit are a much needed and appreciated gift to fellow residents and visitors alike.
Sussex Naturally writer and founder of Dandelion Creative Marketing and Creative Services Group, Nancy Hreha, has been a long time exhibitor, supporter and active participant in the NJ State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show. She is a strong advocate of agriculture in New Jersey and specializes in agrimarketing and agritourism.
The Fair officially opens to the sound of a rooster crow which seems to magically cast a spell over the agricultural section of the Fairgrounds, transporting exhibitors,visitors, residents back to a time when life's rhythm, purpose and joy were far easier to discern and drink in.
With livestock barns filled with barn animals raised by local farm families and 4H club members, the Fairgrounds comes to life with a symphony of sound. The livestock and other 4H exhibits represent the best of the 4H members' project year. They're brought to the SC Fairgrounds in Augusta for exhibit, competition and pleasure. Chicken, sheep, cows, swine and goats that have been bred, born and raised by Sussex County 4H members are housed in several barn buildings which were erected thanks to the sweat equity, fundraising and careful management of generations past. The animals are shown in the livestock arena and judged by professional livestock judges throughout the week. Each species of farm animal are judged, awarded ribbons, trophies and premiums based on their quality, condition and breed characteristics as evaluated by the judge. After the Fair, the animals return to the farm, where they will be cared for throughout the year. Some are bred to carry on or improve the overall quality of the farm's livestock production.
To the young exhibitors, the Fair is a culmination of a year's effort. 4H-er's are delighted to compete, learn, showcase and improve in their project area-with an eye on next year's event. Anticipation of participating with their club members in "The Fair" offers a sometimes needed "incentive" to rise to the challenge of early morning feedings, barn cleaning and icy winter days-when it would be much nicer to stay snug under the covers.
Seasoned agriculturalists also have the opportunity to compete in equestrian events, grain and forage exhibits, flower and vegetable competitions, baking and canning competitions and more. Traditional and modern Home Ec. exhibits like: crafting, quilting and needle work round out the offerings in the Richards building- a large building erected for showcasing the talents of the community. Visitors have the additional opportunity to view and purchase photography and art submitted by community residents who capture the essence and beauty of Sussex County through their art. Many professional photographers and artists call Sussex County home. The diverse natural beauty of the region is a constant source of inspiration to those with creative talent.
The Fair ended on Sunday August 15th with a long overdue rain. As I made my way back to the field where I had parked my car, my attention was drawn to a young dad and his daughter. These Dairy exhibitors seemed impervious to the rainfall as they headed to the livestock trailer carrying trophies and tack. The young girl's blonde ponytail swung in synchronized motion to the tail of the young black and white calf trailing behind her on a lead. I caught up to the trio in time to overhear her animated monologue about her time in the arena as her dad patiently listened and to hear his recollection of when, as a boy, he and his siblings showed their livestock at the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show. In that moment, as the rain fell on the pair, time paused and life and family was once what is used to be-they say all things change...but for a moment it was refreshing to know some things don't have to.
We live in a crazy, high-speed world that is too often chaotic and demanding. The pressures of the day don't escape farmers and their family, in fact, they can be more impactful in some ways. But wise folk know that heritage, roots and tradition can't be substituted or replaced-it's a treasure, a legacy and something worth preserving.
Thank you to the Sussex County Agricultural Community and residents for your community spirit, volunteer hours and passion. For seventy years your efforts to present an event that preserves our agricultural heritage and showcase the best of community and human spirit are a much needed and appreciated gift to fellow residents and visitors alike.
Sussex Naturally writer and founder of Dandelion Creative Marketing and Creative Services Group, Nancy Hreha, has been a long time exhibitor, supporter and active participant in the NJ State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show. She is a strong advocate of agriculture in New Jersey and specializes in agrimarketing and agritourism.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Space Farms Zoo celebrates TEDDY BEAR DAY!
Visiting Sussex County this weekend?
Pack up the car, the kids and don't forget the teddy bear!
Then head to Space Farms in Sussex on Saturday Aug 22 for an extra special kids event...
A Teddy Bear Celebration!
Free admission for any child accompanied by a teddy bear-and of course an adult.
A 2pm magic performance, Teddy Bear contest and a presentation of the history of the Teddy Bear are part of a full day of fun.
Visit the museum, see lions, snakes, tigers, baby animals and of course...the bears. There's so much to see and do at Space Farms- plan to spend the day. The zoo is open from 9a to 5p.
Lunch is available in the air conditioned snack area. Parking is free.
Enjoy the park like setting, rural atmosphere and awesome animals.
Space Farms Zoo is located at 218 County Route 519 in Sussex, just a short distance from NYC and has been a must stop-family fun - destination for generations of Sussex County visitors, make it yours- this Saturday.
For more information, directions and admission visit www.spacefarms.com
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