Canastota Photographer Wins Top Honor in Madison County Contest

A resident of Canastota, April Lewin, has been awarded the grand prize in the 2025 Madison County Photo Contest for her captivating image titled “Old Barn in Winter on Jones Rd. in Erieville, NY.” The winning photograph has been praised for its ability to encapsulate the beauty of the town of Nelson and the wider Madison County area.

In recognition of her achievement, Lewin will have her work featured on the cover of the upcoming 2026 Madison County Calendar. As the grand prize winner, she received a $200 gift card for the Peterboro Table, a well-known restaurant located in Morrisville.

Contest Highlights and Winning Photos

The contest attracted considerable interest this year, with a total of 160 photo submissions from approximately 65 photographers. The officials announced additional winners from various towns, showcasing the diverse talent within the community. The selected photographers include:

• Will Smith, Sullivan
• Tirzah Wicks, DeRuyter
• Melissa Lynch, Eaton
• Julie Wallace, Cazenovia
• Joanne Hurst, Smithfield
• Jacey Pokorny, Stockbridge
• Hannah Bennett, Lenox
• Gary Dixon, Georgetown
• Diane Fenton, Madison
• Denise Adams, Fenner
• Darlene Nelson, Brookfield
• Caleb Cassulis, city of Oneida
• Abigale Egger, Lincoln
• Arthur Foley, Hamilton

All winning photographs will be displayed in the hallway leading to the Board of Supervisors Chambers at the County Office Building, located at 138 N. Court St.. Additionally, these images will also be included in the 2026 calendar, which is currently available for purchase. The calendar consists of 15 months and can be bought for $5 either in person at the County Office building or by contacting the office at 315-366-2201 or via email at [email protected].

Future of the Photo Contest

Officials expressed gratitude to all participants, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in capturing the essence of Madison County. They are optimistic about making this contest an annual event, encouraging residents to continue exploring and photographing the area’s beauty. “Madison County thanks everyone who submitted photos and we look forward to making this contest an annual event,” officials stated.

For further inquiries or additional information regarding the contest and calendar, the public can reach out to the Public Information Office at 315-366-2822 or via email at [email protected].