LOUISIANA, Mo. — Louisiana Community Betterment Association is sponsoring a photography contest and exhibition on Saturday, Feb. 29, beginning at 3 p.m., at the Twin Pike Family YMCA.

The photo contest has been conducted by the LCBA for the past four years and has been primarily focused on photos that were taken in and around the Louisiana area. The committee has decided to expand the entry eligibility to include photos taken in the Twin Pike County areas. This includes the Pike Counties of both Missouri and Illinois.

"The LCBA committee felt that we are missing out on some really wonderful art that is a part of both counties,” LCBA Chairperson Diana Huckstep stated. “We already have several photographers from Illinois that enter pictures from the Louisiana area, so why not expand the show to include both counties.”

The committee decided to continue with an "open" entry format, meaning that they are not specifying categories. This leaves the contest/exhibition open to many types of photos that include people, places, landmarks, landscapes, animals, etc.

All photos must be "family friendly" in content to be eligible for entry into the contest/exhibition. The event is open to all ages and levels of expertise.

Cash prizes are awarded for "Best In Show" and four "Participant" awards. The committee is also looking for sponsors for the event. Those interested in being a sponsor for the contest/exhibit should contact Huckstep at 314-640-4420.

Entry information and forms will be available online beginning Monday, Jan. 20 at: lmocombtrmt@yahoo.com or at the Louisiana Public Library, 121 North 3rd St., or by calling Diana Huckstep.

The photo exhibition will open to the public beginning at 3 p.m. at the Twin Pike YMCA, 614 Kelly Lane in Louisiana. Photos will be on display until 5 p.m.

“This is always a fun and enjoyable evening for the photographers as well as the public. We try to provide a lovely event and hope that everyone will put this on their calendars," Huckstep remarked.

Any photographer who wishes to sell their work may do so during the exhibit. A commission of 15 percent of the sale goes to the work of the Louisiana Community Betterment Association. For more information, please contact Huckstep at 314-640-4420.