Canastota Photographer Wins Grand Prize in Madison County Contest

April Lewin from Canastota has clinched the top prize in the 2025 Madison County Photo Contest with her captivating photograph titled “Old Barn in Winter on Jones Rd. in Erieville, NY.” This stunning image has been praised for its ability to showcase the natural beauty of the town of Nelson and the wider Madison County area.

Recognition and Prizes

Officials announced that Lewin’s photograph will be prominently featured on the cover of the 2026 Madison County Calendar. In addition to this honor, she received a grand prize consisting of a $200 gift card for the Peterboro Table, a local dining establishment in Morrisville.

The contest also recognized other photographers from the region, revealing winning submissions from various towns. Notable winners include Will Smith from Sullivan, Tirzah Wicks from DeRuyter, and Melissa Lynch from Eaton, among others. Each winning photo will be displayed in the hallway leading to the Board of Supervisors Chambers at the County Office Building located at 138 N. Court St..

Calendar Availability and Future Contests

The winning images will be included in the 2026 calendar, which is now available for purchase. The calendar features a total of 15 months and can be bought for $5 at the County Office building or ordered by calling 315-366-2201. Additionally, inquiries can be directed to the Public Information Office via email at [email protected].

Officials expressed their gratitude to all participants, noting that this year the contest received 160 photo submissions from approximately 65 different photographers. They emphasized their commitment to making this contest an annual affair, encouraging residents to capture the essence of their community through photography.

For further questions or information, the Public Information Office can be reached at 315-366-2822 or through the aforementioned email.