The Alabama Black Belt Adventure Association is the first Black Belt Road Trip Photo Contest is officially open to the public, and the organization is asking participants to use their cameras to document their summer outdoor recreational activities in the Black Belt. According to ABBAA, these activities include everything from fishing, hiking and bird watching to enjoying the region's vibrant arts and cuisine.

“Summer travel is increasingly defined by experiences, not destinations, and this new photo contest is designed to highlight just that,” said ALBBAA Director Pam Swanner. “There's so much to experience here in Alabama's Black Belt, and you might see photos of people enjoying the great outdoors at Roland Cooper State Park along the Alabama River, Lake Point State Park on Lake Eufaula, or Lake Lurleen State Park near Tuscaloosa.”

“You might submit photos showing visits to Old Cahawah or Moundville; iconic civil rights sites in Selma or Montgomery; adventurous activities like whitewater rafting on the Chattahoochee River or a visit to Montgomery Whitewater; or even photos of a delicious meal with your family.”

“These are just a few examples of the photos we expect to be submitted to this new competition.”

“We want to showcase the variety of activities and attractions available throughout the Black Belt,” Swanner explains. “We look forward to receiving submissions from people who live in the Black Belt and visitors who will be visiting the region's attractions this summer.”

All photos submitted to the 2024 Black Belt Road Trip Photo Contest must be taken within the Black Belt's 23-county boundaries and include people. Selfies and family photos taken in front of attraction signs are also welcome.

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The contest will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.

First prize will be a two-night stay for up to four guests in a cottage at beautiful Lake Point State Park in Eufaula, plus $150 for travel expenses.

Second place participants will receive a $75 gas card and third place participants will receive a gift basket filled with ALBBAA-themed items.

The contest will begin on June 14th and run until August 15th, 2024.

You can apply and vote online via the ALBBAA website.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on X. @ShipleyAusten.