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Contests
Posted on Jan 11, 2012.
It never ceases to amaze me the greater ability bipedal pups have over their canine counterparts in snapping beautiful pictures. It can’t just be the whole opposable thumbs advantage. No. I think it has more to do with the fact that school-age humans are much less concerned with sniffing and chewing whatever happens to be visible through their camera’s lens.
At any rate, the results of this year’s Kid’s-Eye-View of the Park Photo Contest once again reveal what youngsters unleashed in Balboa Park with camera in hand are capable of. While the above link will take you to an online exhibit of all the winners in the two age groupings, 6-11 and 12-17, I would like to take a moment to highlight a few of my personal favorites.
This elegant first-place photo of birds enjoying the “Woman of Tehuantepec” fountain in the House of Hospitality courtyard by Michelle B. (age 17) could have just as easily been published in San Diego Magazine or a coffee table book on Balboa Park.
This image is rivaled by another picture-postcard shot by third-place finisher Vanessa S. (16). According to the photographer: “There's nothing more beautiful than Balboa Park at night.” Her photograph says it all.
The first-place winner in the junior division, Alicia B. (11), must have swam with the hippos to capture this awfully cute candid shot of mama and her baby at the San Diego Zoo.
And finally, we have this second-place photo by Joseph B., who at the tender age of 7 doesn't let himself get distracted by an otherwise fanciful dragon sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle to show us the abstract beauty found in the details.
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Posted on Nov 02, 2011.
We all know that kids have their own special way of seeing the world, filled with wonder, curiosity, and imagination, making us old dogs feel … old. Thanks to modern digital cameras, pups can now easily share their unique views of the world with us, and what better place to get them started than in a place as filled with visual wonders as Balboa Park?
Throughout the month of November, housebroken shutterbugs aged 6-17 can win prizes by submitting their best photo taken in Balboa Park to the Kid’s-Eye View of the Park Photo Contest. At stake: an HP Photosmart printer, a week-long summer camp at the Museum of Photographic Arts, a Family 4-Pack to the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park, tickets to popular museums, and gift cards. Prizes will be awarded for the best three photos in two different age categories: 6-11 and 12-17.
Parents or guardians who can use a computer at least as well as their pups have until November 30 at 5pm to upload their kid’s photo online at balboapark.org/KidsEye. Photos that include identifiable humans are not eligible, though fortunately there are a lot more interesting things to photograph in the Park anyway. Also, each submission (one per person) must be accompanied by an artist’s statement that explains the significance of the photo in 50 words or less.
Of course there are more contest rules than that, so it’s probably a good idea to read up on them beforehand to avoid having to explain to your child while his or her masterpiece was disqualified.
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Posted on Oct 05, 2011.
And the winner of this year’s Top Dog Photo Contest is … Copper! Based on the final tally of over 1,500 votes, that lucky dog will enjoy a deluxe overnight package for him and his family at Loews Coronado Bay Resort that includes canine surfing lessons and a host of other dog-friendly amenities.
Tailing that handsome Bernese Mountain Dog in second place was the equally fetching Great Dane, Hannah, who will become the subject of her very own fine art portrait, courtesy of Valarie Duke of SoCal Pet Portraits.
The Force was with Chewie, a three-year-old Brussels Griffon, who as the third-place winner receives a voucher for a free wellness exam from K9 Care by Denise, a voucher for a two-hour pet-friendly landscaping consultation by Judy Macomber, and a $20 gift certificate for a Saturday Mexican Brunch at Baja Betty’s. Both Hannah and Chewie also win a Family 4-Pack of Balboa Park Passports, so they won’t be a stranger to their favorite sniffing grounds.
Speaking of which, this year’s bumper crop of entries showcased Balboa Park’s exquisite gardens, landscaping, and historic buildings like never before—so much so, the judges were forced to expand the number of finalists from 25 to 30. From Sefton Plaza on the West Mesa to the Desert Garden in the east, the submissions uncovered a number of unique locales to complement their pooch’s best side.
Now that the important business of crowning Balboa Park’s Top Dog is complete, it’s time for bipedal pups to strut their own stuff in the 2nd Annual Kid’s-Eye View of the Park Photo Contest. Like last year, youngsters ages 6 to 17 will be invited to submit their best photo of their favorite cultural playground. Stay tuned to this blog space and www.balboapark.org for details.
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Posted on Sep 21, 2011.
I must admit, I’m a little jealous. As submissions to this year’s Top Dog Photo Contest have once again proven, there are some seriously good-looking mutts in my hood. But don’t take my word for it. Hop on over to the official Top Dog Photo Contest Voting Page and make your selection for Balboa Park’s Top Dog 2011.
There were so many howling good photos submitted to our panel of judges, we in fact expanded the selection from the previously announced 25 to 30. Honestly, how could our judges single out five of these adorable pooches as undeserving of at least being on the voting page?
I know it will be a rough decision, but please bear in mind that only one vote per IP address will be counted, and the vote must be cast by midnight on Friday, September 30.
The winners will be announced on October 3, with the highest vote getter receiving a night’s stay and an exclusive Su’ruff Camp package from Loews Coronado Bay Resort. (Did I mention I was jealous?)
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Posted on Aug 10, 2011.
Crenshaw’s reign as Balboa Park’s Top Dog draws to a close this fall when this year’s Top Dog Photo Contest crowns a new champ. And just as Crenshaw, Abby, and Kasey discovered last year, anypup can win one of three great prizes, including an exclusive overnight Su’ruff Camp package from Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
What’s the catch? Just sniff out a scenic backdrop anywhere in Balboa Park and have someone take and submit an extremely adorable and good quality photograph of you. Submissions must be made at www.balboapark.org/topdog between August 29 and September 16, 2011. A panel of pooch-loving judges will select the 25 best photos to post for an online public vote from September 21 to 30, 2011.
“What’s in it for me?” you ask. Well for starters, if the public chooses you to be this year’s #1 Top Dog, you will enjoy with your family a one-night stay in deluxe accommodations at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, doggie surfing lessons, and a variety of other canine amenities and treats.
The second top vote getter can have a fine art portrait of his or her award-winning mug painted by Valarie Duke of SoCal Pet Portraits and receive a 4-Pack of Balboa Park Passports for bipedal pack members.
And one third place winner receives a free pet wellness exam from K9 Care by Denise, a two-hour pet-friendly landscaping consultation by Judy Macomber, a $20 gift certificate for a Saturday Mexican Brunch at Baja Betty’s (doggie bag included), as well as a Family 4-Pack of Balboa Park Passports.
Be sure to stay tuned to this blog for updates and tips on how you can become Balboa Park’s Top Dog 2011.
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Posted on Dec 15, 2010.
The results of the Kid’s-Eye View of the Park Photo Contest are in, and win or lose, the contest served its purpose well: not only did it encourage youngsters (6–17) to explore every nook and cranny of Balboa Park’s vast cultural playground, but it produced a number of stunning images that show old dogs new ways of seeing the Park’s historic buildings, flora, and fauna.
While I congratulate the six winners and tip my cap to the runner ups and all other participants, I would like to highlight a few submissions that a fellow diminutive creature like me can especially relate to.
This photo by second-place winner Emily (age 6) reminds me of how essential urban parklands are for sustaining the wide variety of critters whose habitats are dwindling. I also think I know this squirrel personally, though it’s hard to tell because they all look the same to me.
In Ryan’s (age 13) description of his photo, he points out, “when you look closely you will see a teddy bear riding on a pony.” Now if that isn't inspiration to look for the all nuances in the beauty that surrounds us and to imagine, I don't know what is!
This great shot from Leah (age 6) shows my readers what I often see when I look up as I go about my business in the Park:
Last but not least, Natalie (age 6) took the words right out of my mouth when she explained her photo by simply stating, “I just wanted to walk this way!”
Be sure to check out the contest winners page to view all the winning submissions as well as the runner ups.
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Posted on Nov 10, 2010.
On the heels of the overwhelmingly successful Top Dog Photo Contest, two-legged pups will now get their share of the spotlight in Balboa Park’s Kid’s-Eye View of the Park Photo Contest.
Budding shutter bugs ages 6 to 17 have until November 30 to point and shoot their way through Balboa Park’s vast scenic playground and submit their best shot online. Any non-human subject is fair game, including the Park’s lush gardens and landscape, architecture, recreational facilities, and animals in the San Diego Zoo.
Each submission (one per child) should include a brief statement in the young photographer’s own words explaining the inspiration behind their winning shot.
Speaking of winning, what would a contest be without great prizes? The Kid’s-Eye View of the Park Photo Contest of course has many, awarded for the best three photos in two different age categories: 6–11 and 12–17.
First place prizes include a premium HP Photosmart Printer, a Behind-the-Scenes tour of the Museum of Photographic Arts, and four Balboa Park Passports. Second place wins an exclusive Backstage Pass tour at the San Diego Zoo that will allow a family of four to get up close with some of my exotic friends. And third place is awarded a Family 4-Pack of Gallery/IMAX admissions to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and a $20 gift card to the Fleet’s museum store.
But before you run out and snap that once-in-a-lifetime shot, be sure to read the complete Contest Rules.
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Posted on Sep 29, 2010.
How anyone can miss an event that features costume contests for both kids and pooches is beyond my superior level of canine comprehension. You heard correctly—a costume contest for dogs! And that’s just one of many treats in store for families who check out Balboa Park’s 2nd Annual Halloween Family Day on Saturday, October 30.
Like most annual events, this puppy just keeps getting bigger and bigger, with more than 20 Balboa Park organizations participating this year. In fact a dozen park museums will even be offering FREE admission to children 17 and under when accompanied by a paying adult. Admission will also include any free hands-on activities, crafts, scary storytelling, spooky scavenger hunts, and other Halloween-themed treats that particular museum will be presenting.
Of course the highlight of my day will be the doggie costume contest at the Spanish Village Art Center. Even though I haven’t picked out my costume yet, I wanted to give everyone in my pack a heads up so they can start scouting theirs. The first, second, and third place winners will be awarded some nice doggie treats, while the best costume nets a $25 Spanish Village gift certificate.
For bipedal pups who also like to show off their wild side, the San Diego Natural History Museum is hosting a costume parade and prize for best wildlife costume—wildlife as in animals, so no Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan costumes, please.
Be sure to regularly check this blog space as well as the main Halloween Family Day page for details and updates on all the planned activities, prize giveaways, and other goodies throughout the Park on October 30.
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Posted on Sep 01, 2010.
[caption id="attachment_1326" align="aligncenter" width="568" caption="Top Dog Grand Prize Winner: Crenshaw"]
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I am extremely pleased to announce that well over 1,000 votes for Balboa Park’s Top Dog were cast this past week. Leading the pack by a sizable margin is our Grand Prize winner (drum roll, please) — Crenshaw!
His reward for being so doggone cute is an exclusive overnight Sur’uff Camp package at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, complete with surfing lessons for Crenshaw, doggie board shorts, a Surf ‘n’ Turf pet room service meal, and other Loews Loves Pets amenities and treats. Crenshaw’s family will also enjoy a family four-pack of Balboa Park Passports.
[caption id="attachment_1330" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Second Place Winner: Abby"][/caption]
Second-place goes to the equally adorable Abby. That lucky dog will reap the benefits of a $50 gift certificate from Fetch Pet Care, which now offers group doggie adventures to Fiesta Island, Coronado Dog Beach, and Balboa Park every day.
Coming in third by a snout is the ever-so fetching Kasey. Her photogenic mug netted her family a $25 gift certificate to Terra Restaurant, whose dog-friendly patio seating is perfect for people and pooch watching in the heart of Hillcrest.
So there you have it, Balboa Park’s Top Dogs for 2010. But of course all of our finalists and entrants are top dogs in my book! Just be sure to stay tuned to this blog for future announcements on next year’s contest. Who knows, Balboa Park’s next Top Dog may very well be you!
[caption id="attachment_1339" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Third Place Winner: Kasey"]
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Posted on Aug 11, 2010.
Anyone who has followed this blog should be well aware that Morley Field is not only home to one of three great dog parks in Balboa Park, but also to the Bud Kearns Memorial Swimming Pool, 25 tennis courts, an archery range, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
On a recent visit, however, I made a point of probing past the dog park and other major facilities to discover much more than meets the snout. For instance, I noticed that each time I enter the dog park’s parking lot, I pass a little gem of a garden featuring native, drought-tolerant plants of California. While I consider myself quite an aficionado of all the lush gardens around Balboa Park’s Central Mesa, I was pleasantly surprised to find this nicely landscaped hillside filled with a variety of blooming plants.
Venturing southeast of the dog park, behind the tennis courts and swimming pool, my head was spinning as I watched several cyclists, who looked as though they had just returned from the Tour de France, going round and round the Velodrome track. It didn’t take long, however, until my attention 
was diverted once again by balls flying around the nearby baseball fields, which drew me even deeper into Morley Field’s vast sporting facilities.
While I will leave further discussion of these and other recreational amenities to future blog posts, I would like to remind everyone that as part of Balboa Park’s expansive grounds, Morley Field is another great place to scout the location of your winning shot for my Top Dog Photo Contest.
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