Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts is sponsoring a photo contest in conjunction with the upcoming balloon festival.

Balloon Fest '94 is scheduled next Friday through Sunday at the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport. Scheduled events include balloon races, tethered balloon rides, a night-time "balloon glow," model airplane demonstrations, parachuting, and displays of vintage aircraft.

"Hot air ballooning is colorful and exciting," said Beverly Strohmeyer, executive director of the arts council. She says the fest should prove "an unusual and spectacular event for photographers of all ages."

The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers of all ages. It is restricted to photographs taken during events of Balloon Fest '94.

The winning photograph may be used in publicity for next year's festival, and the winner will receive a $100 savings bond from Commerce Bank in Cape Girardeau. All photo entries will be on display at Commerce Bank during September.

The entry fee is $5 per photograph, with no limit on the number of entries per photographer. The deadline for entry is Aug. 31.

Entry forms are available at the arts council office, 1707 Mount Auburn Road. Office hours are 9 a.m. to noon, and 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Forms are also available at Nowell's Camera, West Side Camera, Commerce Bank and at the Balloon Fest '94 information booth.