Photo contest no flash in the pan

Thank you if you took a copy of the The Acorn on vacation and sent us a picture during the past 12 months. Over the years, readers have taken copies of The Acorn to every continent and probably all 50 states.

We'll print as many vacation photos as we can in future editions of the paper, but don't be disappointed if your shot isn't published right away. We receive many photos throughout the year and sometimes it takes us a while to catch up. Watch for yours in an upcoming edition.

The concept of taking your Acorn on vacation has been a huge success. Back in the old days, people would occasionally send us pictures of backyard barbecues, birthday parties or family reunions. We didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but we couldn't possibly print every picture that was sent our way.

Vacation photos were a perfect exception because they're not just pictures of local people, but of people on vacation, so the scenery becomes important, too. Getting readers to include a front page of their community newspaper in the photograph gives it a local angle and proves that you care about us, just like we care about you.

One participant a few years ago wanted to remain anonymous. He sent shots of the newspaper in almost every national park and monument in the U.S. We devoted a photo page to him and never did learn his identity. The only thing we knew about him was that he traveled extensively- and took his Acorn along.

It doesn't matter, though, if you're going to an exotic location or just up the coast; be sure to Take Your Acorn on Vacation again this year. Send digital images as high resolution .jpg attachments to production@theacorn.com. Color prints should be mailed to the address in our staff box below. Tell us who we're looking at and where the picture was taken. Photos we now receive will be saved for next September's contest.

Thanks again. We love your pictures of you and us, so please keep them coming. This week's vacation photos are on page 30A.