TRUCKEE, Calif. –  More than 50 people turned out for a special reception to celebrate the winners in the Town of Truckee’s first-ever “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” photo contest that was held last Friday, July 26, at the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District Steve Randall Community Recreation Center. The night-time photography competition invited people to snap photos of the night skies anywhere in Truckee. The Town received dozens of submissions in the professional, amateur and youth categories. It’s part of the Town’s campaign to remind people of the importance of reducing light pollution to showcase the natural beauty of dark skies.

The celebration at the reception included live music from Jonathan Hennion and commenced with a special reading by Priya Hunter.

The following photographers were honored in three categories, as presented by Mayor David Polivy who acted as emcee:

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Professional Category:

·       First Place (Grand Prize): Sky Emerson

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·       Second Place: Jeremy Jensen

·       Third Place: Scott Thompson

Winners in the professional category were presented by Vice-Mayor Jan Zabriskie.

Amateur Category:

·       First Place (Grand Prize): Max Leabman

·       Second Place: Douglas Weiss

·       Third Place: Jennifer Adleman

·       Fourth Place: Russell Albano

·       Fifth Place (tie): Lori Thomas and Melanie McCartney

Winners in the amateur category were presented by Councilmember Anna Klovstad.

Youth Category (under 18):

·       First Place (Grand Prize): Drew Basile

·       Second through Fourth Place: Ethan McCracken

·       Fifth Place: Aylah Lyhne

Winners in the youth category were presented by councilmember Lindsay Romack.

Prizes were awarded as follows:

Professional Category Prizes:

·       Grand Prize: $500 Sustainable Truckee Gift Card and picture printed on metallic canvas for display

·       Second Place: $250 Sustainable Truckee Gift Card

·       Third Place: $100 Sustainable Truckee Gift Card

Amateur Category Prizes:

·       Grand Prize: $500 Sustainable Truckee Gift Card and picture printed on metallic canvas for display

·       Second – Fifth Place: Free night skies photography workshop and hike

Youth Category Prizes:

·       Grand Prize: $500 Sustainable Truckee Gift Card and picture printed on metallic canvas for display

·       Second – Fifth Place: Free night skies photography workshop and hike

In addition to announcing winners, Sierra Business Council (SBC) program manager Brittney Guiterrez attended the reception and presented information on the Town’s ongoing Lighting Rebate Program. The program offers incentives for residents and businesses to upgrade to dark sky-friendly exterior lighting.

The winning contest photographs, along with other notable entries, are now on display in the main hallway of the TDRPD Steve Randall Community Recreation Center on Truckee Way through Labor Day weekend. The Town of Truckee would like to extend appreciation and acknowledgement to Kellie Cutler with the Truckee Cultural District and Piper Johnson from Piper J Gallery for their expertise helping with the exhibit.

For more information about the Dark Skies initiative, the photo contest winners, or the lighting rebate program, please visit TownofTruckee.gov.