The Thompson Aurora Borealis Enthusiasts (TABE) first photo contest was a great success with Elder Doug Burkman winning first place in the paneled judging, Mike Parsons winning the People’s Choice Favourite Photographer by receiving over 25 per cent of all votes shared almost equally among his three entries. The People’s Choice for the photo receiving the most votes went to Sister Patricia Burkman. The Mayor’s Choice went to Tony Loewen.
Other awards included an honourable mention for Brian Taylor and Stephanie DeJong won Most Unique Entry. Over 700 people attended the photo contest and there was a unanimous opinion that choosing one photo as the best was very difficult.
The panel of judges – deputy mayor Penny Byer, Chris Sundevic, Thompson Citizen and Nickel Belt News general manager Lynn Taylor, Tanna Teneycke and Coun. Duncan Wong – took nearly 45 minutes to make their decision. The contest show room was emptied of everyone but the judges and the photos were chosen by number. The panel selected the photograph they thought would best encourage tourism to Thompson. The official comments by the judges on why they chose the winning photo said, “Photos with vivid multi-colours are a focal point for encouraging people to travel to see the aurora borealis. Strong tourist appeal – water reflections with peaceful calm combined with sharp contrast of trees and snow and sky makes a strong presentation.”
Byer served double duty, standing in for Mayor Dennis Fenske, who was out of town and could not attend, selecting Loewen’s photo as the Mayor’s Choice. “The lights of our proud northern city nestled in the trees and under the northern lights are awesome. The dock and water speak to the historical importance of our waterways.”
The next step in TABE’s plan is to get city approval to have an aurora festival in August. Businesses that might want to participate in the proposed festival are encouraged to attend a planning meeting this Friday at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building. Musical artists and other performers wishing to be considered for this festival should send a one- to three-minute video to [email protected].
