St. Charles Announces Photo Contest Winner

From the City of St. Charles: The City of St. Charles announces its photo contest winners. As a part of the St. Charles 185th Anniversary celebration, the City of St. Charles launched a photo contest to choose a photo to feature on the cover of the 2019 City of St. Charles Christmas card.

The winning photo was of the Fox River in winter and was submitted by long-time resident Rick Brems. The photo was taken from the Indiana Street pedestrian bridge in January 2014.

Brems describes his winning photo as a, “steam rising from the Fox River at around minus 15 degrees…geese and ducks huddled together on frozen river…natures survival…downtown St. Charles riverfront in cold winter splendor.”

Brems feels this photo fits with the 185th Anniversary-theme and that he “can envision the same river, same type wildlife, and same spot (minus a bridge or two) in the 1800s. Then, it was already the center of a fledgling town, a valuable natural asset most towns didn't have.

There were so many great entries that the City selected a runner-up to feature on its 2020 Christmas Card. The photo captured Main Street dressed up for the holidays and was taken on Dec 18, 2014, by Benjamin Rinenbach of St. Charles.

“It was absolutely freezing,” said Rinenbach. “But I had just gotten a new camera and couldn’t wait to get outside and try it out. (So glad I did; I got some great shots that night.)”

21 entries were received, which were reviewed by members of the St. Charles Arts Council. Thank you to all who submitted photos and congratulations to the winners.

About the City of St. Charles

The City of St. Charles, Illinois, is guided by the four driving principles in its Mission: Heritage. Community. Service. Opportunity. Together, these principles create a thriving environment for people who live or visit here, and for businesses to prosper. Our City has gained national recognition as a family-friendly town and wide acclaim for its architecture, living up to its nickname Pride of the Fox. Conveniently located 35 miles west of Chicago, predominantly in Kane County with a portion in DuPage County, St. Charles is home to 33,000 residents and a balanced mix of nearly 2,000 businesses that employ more than 18,000 people. More at www.stcharlesil.gov, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo and LinkedIn.

This press release was produced by the City of St. Charles. The views expressed here are the author's own.