The local shutterbugs of Coon Rapids have been buzzing with excitement after the announcement of the winners of the 2025 Coon Rapids Arts Commission Photo Contest. In a showcase of the theme 'Amazing Coon Rapids Animals,' the contest has attracted amateur photographers of varying stripes, each looking to capture the essence of wildlife within the city's bounds. The results, a menagerie of moments ranging from the intimate to the amusing, are now publicly celebrated. The full roster of entrants can be viewed on the Photo Contest webpage for those who wish to see the breadth of talent on display.
Securing first place in the Adult category is Michael Peppler with his dynamic shot "Shake It Off" snapped at the Coon Rapids Dam, a freeze-frame of pure animal vitality that managed to clearly stand out. Following, Ben Bergan’s "Fresh Hatchlings" garnered the second spot, capturing the delicate start of life at home in Coon Rapids. However, it wasn't just trained photographers clocking in wins. A just-for-fun "Special" Honorable Mention was whimsically conferred upon "Ready for Winter!" attributed to Rocky the Raccoon, apparently clicked at the Coon Rapids Public Works Open House. While this entry didn't qualify as official, it certainly piqued interest.
Don't let the term 'youth' fool you into thinking these photographers are anything but serious. Rylee Roberts clinched the top honor in the under-18 group, with "Dancing on Petals," bringing the tiny dance of an insect's travel across flowers to our attention. Not to be overlooked, the sharp-eyed Braylon landed second place for a striking image of a hawk, aptly titled "Hawk," taken at Woodland Oaks Park. These young photographers are proving to be formidable observers of the nuances in nature.
The contest may have closed its doors for 2025, but would-be entrants should ready their cameras to capture Coon Rapids in its wild splendor for next year. Typically, the submission period kicks off in June, with the next batch of winners set to be unveiled come mid-September. To keep up to date and possibly glean some inspiration along the way, keen participants are encouraged to regularly check the contest webpage, sign up for the Coon Rapids Connection newsletter, and follow the city's updates on Facebook and Twitter. The community's fascination with its fauna, it seems, is endlessly renewable.
