Jones County Celebrates Local Talent with Inaugural Mobile Phone Photography Competition
Jones County residents were invited to “capture the spirit of Jones County” this year by submitting their best shots to the first-ever Jones County Heritage Festival Mobile Phone Photography Competition—and the results are nothing short of stunning.
Designed to highlight the rich heritage, landscapes, wildlife, and human connections that make Jones County unique, the competition drew a wide range of entries from amateur photographers across the area. Participants were encouraged to showcase their creativity in all genres and styles, from breathtaking scenery to intimate moments of local culture.
“We wanted to celebrate Jones County through the eyes of its residents,” said JCHF Committee Member Jessica Taylor. “The response exceeded our expectations, and the quality of submissions was outstanding.”
After careful review and enthusiastic engagement from the community on social media, the winners of the 2025 competition were announced on Friday, September 12, 2025.
Winners
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1st Place: “Water Crossing” by John Williams
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2nd Place: “End of the Road” by Dana Bergeron
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3rd Place: “A Horse of Course” by Jackie Mallard Larder
Honorable Mentions:
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“Cotton” by Rachel Hawkins
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“Barn, Bin & Beauty” by Melanie Berg
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“Sunset at the Millpond” by Ashley Jones
“These entries were among the top favorites on our social media page and truly stood out for their creativity and impact,” said Taylor.
Winners will be featured on the Jones County website and social media throughout the month. Additionally, the winners will be formally recognized with a certificate during the Jones County Heritage Festival Awards Ceremony on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Large Auditorium of the Jones County Civic Center.
All entries from the competition can be viewed on the Jones County Heritage Festival Facebook page, giving the community an opportunity to see and celebrate the full range of talent showcased in this year’s contest.
This inaugural competition marks a new tradition of showcasing the artistry and perspective of Jones County residents. Organizers say they hope to make the contest an annual highlight of the Heritage Festival.
