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Aspira Announces the 2022 America’s State Parks Photo Contest Winne

Sep 27, 2022

Grand prize winning photo by Blair Celano. (Photo: Business Wire)

Grand Prize Winner: “Winter Frosting” by Blair Celano


September 27, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aspira® in partnership with National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) is proud to announce the winners of the sixth annual America's State Parks Photo Contest. The judging panel was inspired by 8,135 entries over a two-month period representing the best of state parks in five categories including Scenic & Seasons, Activities, Wildlife, Family & Friends, and Camping.

“We are committed to promoting more unity in the Outdoor Community and beyond. Partnering with America’s State Parks on the photo contest ensures that everyone can be involved in capturing the beauty of our State Parks from the mountains to the sea!”

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“Aspira is proud to manage the operations and promotion for the contest for the sixth year in a row. We received photo entries from all 50 states making it another successful photo contest. The collection of uplifting stories highlights how much our communities appreciate our State Park treasures. Congratulations to all the winners!” said Graham Ballbach, President, Parks & Licensing at Aspira.

The panel of judges selected six winners including the grand prize photo titled “Winter Frosting” by Blair Celano. The scenic and seasons image was taken at Grand Haven State Park in Michigan showcasing the beauty of the pier and lighthouse during winter. Celano was awarded $5,000 from this year’s sponsor Black Folks Camp Too. In addition, each of the five honorable mention category winners received a $500 REI gift card from Aspira. All six winners also won an annual membership to Apex Club.

“Congratulations to Blair Celano and Michigan for the grand prize-winning photo and all five category winners. It’s wonderful to see so many people enjoying state park destinations across the country. We appreciate everyone involved in our state park systems that make outdoor recreation safe and accessible to all,” said Lewis Ledford, Executive Director at National Association of State Park Directors. “NASPD would also like to thank our sponsor Black Folks Camp Too and Aspira for making this year’s contest possible.”

Earl B. Hunter, Jr., Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too added, “We are committed to promoting more unity in the Outdoor Community and beyond. Partnering with America’s State Parks on the photo contest ensures that everyone can be involved in capturing the beauty of our State Parks from the mountains to the sea!”.

Learn more about all six photo contest winners and their stories at ReserveAmerica.com.

About Aspira

Aspira is the leading provider of systems and services that enable management of outdoor recreation resources. Our comprehensive suite of reservation and licensing technology and service solutions, including www.ReserveAmerica.com, are used by government and private entities across North America to enable consumers to research and reserve their next outdoor adventure, whether that be obtaining an overnight stay at a campground or a fishing or hunting permit or license. For more information, visit www.AspiraConnect.com.

About NASPD

The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) is devoted to helping state park systems effectively manage and administer their state park system. The mission of the Association is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation’s environment, heritage, health, and economy. For more information, visit www.stateparks.org.

About Black Folks Camp Too

The mission of BFCT is to remove fear, add knowledge, and invite more Black folks to camp, and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle with any and everyone. BFCT was created not only to inspire more Black folks to get outside, but to bring awareness to the reasons why more Black folks have not been participating in the outdoors, and what the current industry and lifestylers can do to help create more Unity. Learn more at blackfolkscamptoo.com.

© 2022 Aspira and/or its affiliates and licensors. All rights reserved.

Contacts

Sarah Bennett
Aspira
PR@AspiraConnect.com