Do you have a favourite spot from which to photograph the Snowbirds?
Start staking it out now because the air demonstration squadron is coming back to the Comox Valley at the end of the month, and the Comox Air Force Museum Association is gearing up for its second Snowbirds Photo Contest.
The iconic red and white Snowbirds are coming to the Comox Valley March 28 and will conduct their annual pre-season training out of 19 Wing Comox until April 17.
While the Snowbirds are here, the Comox Valley Air Force Museum Association is holding its second annual Snowbirds Photo Contest.
"Last year, with very short notice, we had 45 entries, and some wonderful pictures were discovered," said Ken Oxley of the Comox Air Force Museum Association. "We're anticipating a large entry because of the entries shown last year."
Last year's winning photograph, taken by Tony Gusman, went on to be featured in Airforce Magazine, and the museum sold more than 50 prints to raise money for its operations.
Photographs taken during this year's pre-season training and images taken in previous years are eligible for the contest. Entries close April 14 at 4 p.m.
To enter the contest, drop off a five-inch-by-seven-inch photograph — no digital images — and a suggested $10 donation to the Comox Valley Air Force Museum at the corner of Ryan Road and Military Way Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Write your contact information and the date and location of the photograh on the back of the photo.
Only one photograph per person will be eligible, and no photos that were entered into last year's contest will be accepted.
"I would guess it's probably going to be a unique photo that again wins the contest because there are many great photos of their formations," said Oxley.
This year, the contest judges will be a retired Snowbirds pilot, a representative from the photography department at London Drugs, a member of the Comox Valley Camera Club and a Comox Valley Air Force Museum visual specialist.
Photographs will not be returned, and they may be used by the museum for promotion and fundraising purposes.
The winners will be announced during the Snowbirds' autograph session April 16 at 1 p.m. at the Comox Air Force Museum, following the team's air show that morning. The winners will get to pose with the Snowbirds team.
Prizes include a camera and photobook donated by London Drugs, a gift certificate from OK Tire and a 72-inch-by-36-inch Snowbirds throw blanket donated by Labush Skywear Inc.
For more information about the Snowbirds Photo Contest, contact the Comox Air Force Museum at 250-339-8162.
writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com