It was the first time ever that the contest was held online and this had some interesting side effects.
It was easier to submit photo entries and more challenging to race slugs but it was great to see how people embraced racing slugs at home (some people even built their own slug racing tracks and had the whole family racing slugs, and then photo documenting their races. It was wonderful how many people participated by emailing and posting their photo submissions.
The thoughtfulness that went into the photo contests and was truly heartfelt and the judges were deeply moved by the many submissions that showed the many ways in which people love Bowen Island. A long philosophical debate ensued about the Best of Bowen photo category. There were more entries than ever before in the photo contests and the judges had a really hard time deciding and the judging went into overtime. There are many professional photographers on the island who produce amazing imagery, as well as incredibly talented amateur and beginner youth photographers. The array of incredible entries made judges exclaim aloud with appreciation and dismay at having to choose one image over another, but by reviewing the theme, the judges agreed that the Best of Bowen is found in the island’s community and natural environment and our sense of humour and quirky individuality and made their final selections based on a mix of community spirit as well as photographic technique.
Winners of all the contests will receive their ribbons in the mail, with thanks to all who participated in keeping this annual all-for-fun Bowfest tradition alive. A special thanks to all the hardwork behind the scenes by all of the Bowfest Board and the Country Fair Contest volunteers!
The largest zucchini winner this year was Madison’s 765lb zucchini, an unbelievable record-breaker! 2nd place: Stevenson Family.
Slug Race: #1 Silver, Beals Family, #2 Strang Family, #3 Stevenson Family
Lego Contest : #1 Robot Dog –Alex S. This entry from a young robotics engineer came with photos and a video. Check out the video of the Lego robot dog moving and making sounds on the Bowfest Facebook page. #2 Large Landscape –Denis C. #3 Rapid Rex Raptor -Zac M. Rapid Rex Raptor Deployer Ship with micro scale ships and tools. This ship has many play functions- open the cab, shoot flick fire missiles and stud shooters at front of ship, drop tool and raptor pods on the back.
“The Best of Bowen” Photography Contest: Adults: #1 Heron –Rebecca Smith, #2 Tunstall Spirit view & Children in the Sand –Rebecca Ander, #3 Whale -Diana Izdebski
Honourable Mentions: Snowmen on the Railing by Penny White, And Jimmy and Tobie by Tanya Voormeij-de Zwart
Youth: #1 Porthole view –Logan E., #2 Trees -Greta S., #3 Abstract –Obi S.
Farm Fun Photos!
#1 “.... and on the farm they have a Sonny, the pony. Beanu, the Bengal and Bubbles, the pony . EIEIO. McDonald’s Farm” –Carolyn McDonald; #2 Horse and Child –Seonaid Hayes; #3 Malcolm and Cucumber at the Farm–Shannon Strang
Youth Entry: Honourable mention: Geese –Holt E.
What else happened at Bowfest:
Watch Tristan Deggan's film of the pop-up parade:
Watch the Black Molly concert:
