2025 City of Mankato Photo Contest

Voting has concluded. Thank you for your participation! 

Capture the Spirit of Mankato!

This year’s City Calendar Photo Contest invited community members to “Capture the Spirit of Mankato” by submitting their unique perspectives of places, spaces, and moments that showcase the City’s spirit. We received 72 beautiful entries, and now it’s time for the community to help decide which photos will be featured in the upcoming 2026 City Calendar.

How Voting Works:

  • Round 1: Photos are grouped into four categories. Vote for your favorites in each category to help narrow the entries down to 20 finalists.
  • Round 2: From the finalists, community members will select the 12 calendar photos, plus vote for an overall winner (cover photo + grand prize) and an honorable mention.

Your voice helps celebrate Mankato’s character and community pride — thank you for voting and supporting local photographers!

Timeline:

  • Round 1 Voting: Sept. 5–12
  • Round 2 Voting: Sept. 22–29

Capture the Spirit of Mankato!

This year’s City Calendar Photo Contest invited community members to “Capture the Spirit of Mankato” by submitting their unique perspectives of places, spaces, and moments that showcase the City’s spirit. We received 72 beautiful entries, and now it’s time for the community to help decide which photos will be featured in the upcoming 2026 City Calendar.

How Voting Works:

  • Round 1: Photos are grouped into four categories. Vote for your favorites in each category to help narrow the entries down to 20 finalists.
  • Round 2: From the finalists, community members will select the 12 calendar photos, plus vote for an overall winner (cover photo + grand prize) and an honorable mention.

Your voice helps celebrate Mankato’s character and community pride — thank you for voting and supporting local photographers!

Timeline:

  • Round 1 Voting: Sept. 5–12
  • Round 2 Voting: Sept. 22–29
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    2025 Photo Contest Voting: Round 2

    Help us select the winners of the photo contest!

    You're invited to help us choose the winners for the City Calendar Photo Contest! The 20 photo options in this survey were selected by residents during the first round of voting and are the top entries moving on to this final round.

    In this round, we’re asking you to do three things:

    1. Pick one photo you believe deserves First Place – The first place photo will be featured as the calendar cover, receive a civic center gift card and their photo will be framed and displayed at the City's Intergovernmental Center.
    2. Pick one photo you believe deserves Second Place – The second place photo will receive special recognition, and their photo will be framed and displayed at the City’s Intergovernmental Center.
    3. Select up to 10 additional photos – These will help make up the remaining images featured in the calendar.

    Thank you for helping us showcase our community through the eyes of local photographers!

    Voting has concluded. Thank you for your participation! 
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    2025 Photo Contest Voting: Round 1

    Thank you for participating in the City Calendar Photo Contest! Your votes will help determine which photos move forward to the final round.

    Categories:

    Photos are grouped into four categories to showcase the diversity of Mankato:

    1. City Landmarks & Monuments
      Iconic features that represent our community — bridges, statues, historic buildings, and other recognizable sites.

    2. Rivers, Parks & Natural Spaces
      Outdoor spaces that showcase our environment — rivers, trails, playgrounds, open fields, and recreational areas.

    3. Flowers, Gardens & Wildlife
      Nature in detail — blossoms, trees, plants, animals, and seasonal natural beauty.

    4. Cityscapes & Community Life
      Scenes of daily life in the city — streetscapes, architecture, gatherings, events, and the built environment.



    Voting Instructions

    1. The ballot is divided into four sections, one for each category.

    2. In each section, select 3–5 of your favorite photos.

    3. Photos are displayed as thumbnails.

    4. Your votes will help determine the Top 5 photos in each category, which will advance to Round 2.

    5. In the event of a tie, City staff may make a tie-breaking decision.

    Voting has concluded. Thank you for your participation!