Photo contest ends for another year

Thank you if you took a copy of the Moorpark Acorn on vacation and sent us a picture during the past year. Over the years, readers have taken copies of the Moorpark 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. The winning picture is on page 1; secondand third-place photos and honorable mentions are on page 16. The top three submissions will be getting checks respectively for $100, $50 and $25. Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who participated.

Don't be disappointed if your shot isn't printed today. We received many photos this year. Watch for yours in an upcoming edition.

The concept of taking your Moorpark 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. By 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.

It doesn't matter, though, if you're going to an exotic location or just up the coast, be sure to Take Your Moorpark Acorn on Vacation again this year. Send digital images as .jpg attachments to moorpark@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 shot. Photos we now receive will be saved for next September's contest.

Thanks again. We love your pictures of you and us.