Join the Prairie Days Photography Exhibition & Contest in Yelm, WA!
Are you a local photographer who loves capturing the beauty of our community? Or maybe you're just excited to admire creative work by talented local artists? Either way, you won't want to miss the Photography Exhibition and Contest during this year's Yelm Prairie Days Celebration!
Graham Auto Repair is excited to sponsor this brand-new event! We will be there to judge the entries and hand out prizes to the winners. Whether you're an experienced photographer, or just getting started. This is a great way to get involved, share your perspective through your camera lens, and celebrate what makes Yelm special!
Event Details
- 📍 Where: Yelm Community Center
- 🕒 When: Saturday, June 14, 2025
- Judging: Begins at 12:00pm
- Awards: Winners announced at 2:30pm on the Prairie Days stage
During the event, all photo entries will be displayed in a gallery-style exhibit for the community to stop in and enjoy. You don't have to enter the contest to enjoy the fun. Everyone is invited to come view the gallery and cheer for the winners!
Contest Information for Photographers
- Sign-up online at: https://lf.yelmwa.gov/Forms/PhotoExeb
- Drop-off your printed photo submission at: Yelm City Hall - 106 2nd St SE.
- Drop-offs should be completed: June 2–4, 2025, between 7:30am–5:30pm.
Entry Guidelines:
- You may enter one photo per category. A separate form is required for each submission.
- Each print must be at least 8" x 10" and no larger than 16" x 24"
- Photos must be mounted or matted on sturdy materials (no frames, hooks, or wires)
- Framed prints, metal, wood, glass, or acrylic mounts will not be accepted.
- Images may be taken with any type of camera—including smartphones.
- Prints must be original work by the person entering the contest.
- On the back of your print, include: Your name, age, and the title of your photo
📝 Important: This is a family-friendly event. Photos that contain inappropriate content may be disqualified from display.
Categories You Can Enter:
- People: unposed individuals doing everyday things
- Portraits: intentionally posed people
- Animals: pets, livestock, or wildlife in their natural setting
- Nature: landscapes or water, without people or buildings
- City Scenes: buildings, roads, and urban moments
- Action: sports, motion, or movement (cars, bikes, animals, people)
- The Spirit of Yelm: photos that capture the heart of our community
Prizes: Sponsored by Graham Auto Repair
- Winners will be selected from two age groups: Adult and Junior.
- Each group will have a 1st and 2nd place winner.
- 1st Place: $75
- 2nd Place: $50
🏆 Cash prizes will be awarded live during the Prairie Days event at 2:30 PM! Meet us at the Prairie Days Stage.
Where & When to Pick Up Your Photos
If you enter a photo, please plan to pick it up:
- June 14th between 3-4pm, at the Yelm Community Center
- June 18th between 7:30am-5:30pm, at Yelm City Hall
The City of Yelm will handle all submissions with care, but is not responsible for any loss or damage will prints are in their custody. Photos will not be mailed back to you, please plan accordingly.
Want to Get Involved?
This is a fun way to showcase your photography, connect with the community, and celebrate creativity in Yelm, WA! We hope to see your photos--and your smiling faces--at the Prairie Days Photography Exhibition!
👉 Click here to sign up for the Exhibition!
