After 866 votes, the top three finalists were announced last night at a Finalist Announcement Party hosted by Frank Guido at his Little Italy restaurant in Kingston. Twenty-five photographers who entered the contest joined Legislative Chairman John Parete for a festive night to reveal the top three vote getters. The top three photos included the fall foliage at Split Rock Pond captured by Michael Gold, a Shawangunk Mountain view from an apple orchard taken by Deidre Branford, and a solitary seat in the fall foliage taken in Stone Ridge by winning photographer Andrew Davis.
“I am overwhelmed and touched by the response and quality of photos submitted for this contest,” said Legislative Chairman John Parete after the party. “It was beyond my best expectations. I was as surprised as Andrew when the winner was announced. I know Andrew’s family is immensely proud of this young man’s skills and accomplishments. I thank Frank Guido for his generous support in hosting the party.”
The winning photo was chosen from the final three by the Clerk of the Legislature, Victoria Fabella, and her staff. The vote to choose the top three finalists was hosted online via the Clerk of the Legislature’s Facebook page and website. Over 2,300 visits were made to the contest and over 31,000 people viewed the Facebook contest post.
In addition to the top three listed above, the top photos with their photographers included:
•Snowy Saugerties Bridge – Cami Costello
•A Colorful Hudson River West – Marc Adin
•Rosendale Trestle Aerial – Lakaylee Grassi
•West Park Lane in Fall – Jean Spoljaric
•Rondout Creek at Dusk – Rochelle Riservato
•Wallkill River in Fall – Richard Barnhart
•Peekamoose Pond – Estelle Nadler
•Rosendale Trestle View – John Mizel
Not wanting to limit the contact people can have with Ulster County through these amazing photos, Chairman Parete has authorized the printing of a 2015 photo calendar featuring the twelve finalists and highlighting a large number of the other submissions. When available, the calendars will be distributed to all those who submitted photos. In addition, those who like the Clerk of the Legislature’s Facebook Page or share it with others will be provided a pdf version of the 2015 photo calendar in January.
