First week of Foto Fest almost over

Entry boxes are filling up with photographs and there are just a few more days left to qualify for the first week of Foto Fest 2003.

The amateur photography contest is open to residents in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. Photographs entered by Friday at 5 p.m. each week of the six-week contest will be judged the following Monday.

The contest is sponsored by the Southeast Missourian and Westfield Shoppingtown West Park.

Winners will be announced in the Southeast Missourian each Wednesday, starting July 16. Several additional selected entries will be posted online at www.semissourian.com each week.

The photographs entered must have been taken since Jan. 1, 2002. Multiple entries per person are permitted, but no photos can be returned. Photographs can be resubmitted each week if they aren't chosen as a semifinalist.

Four semifinalists will be chosen each week. Of those 24 semifinalists, six will be chosen as finalists and one grand prize winner will be selected. A People's Choice award also will be given towards the conclusion of the contest. Prizes include gift certificates, subscriptions to the newspaper and certificates of recognition.

Drop-off locations for photos include Southeast Missourian offices in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Marble Hill and Chaffee, as well as Schnucks and the customer service center at the mall and Kasten Masonry Sales in Jackson. Official rules and entry forms are available at those locations or online at www.semissourian.com.