BEDFORD — The Limestone Heritage Festival has announced the winners of its 2026 Limestone Heritage Photo Contest, recognizing photographers of all ages for capturing the beauty, history, and significance of limestone throughout the region and beyond.
In the Adult Division, Jennifer Brock was selected as the People’s Choice winner for her photograph depicting water flowing over limestone in a river setting. Brock received a special ribbon and a $100 cash prize.
Six-year-old Sterling Gastineau earned the Youth Division People’s Choice Award for his photograph of the Dunn Masonic Temple featuring the reflection of an American flag in one of the building’s windows. Gastineau received a special ribbon and a $50 cash prize for the honor.
Judges also awarded ribbons in three categories for both adult and youth photographers.
In the Adult Division’s Limestone in Architecture category, Becky Buher received the blue ribbon for her photograph of Canterbury Cathedral. Marla Jones earned the red ribbon for her image of the Nebraska State Capitol, while Amy Miskuf received the white ribbon for her photograph of the Otis Park Band Shell covered in snow.
In the General Limestone category, Jones captured the blue ribbon with her photograph of the Baker Monument in Green Hill Cemetery. Shannon Spear received the red ribbon for an image of the Stonecutters Memorial in Green Hill Cemetery, and Buher earned the white ribbon for her photograph titled “Youth with Limestone Lion.”
For Limestone in Nature, Glenda Ferguson won the blue ribbon with a photograph of a limestone cliff and waterfall. Miskuf earned the red ribbon for her image of Leatherwood Creek and its limestone formations, while Loretta Bailey received the white ribbon for her photograph of Empire Quarry.
Youth photographers were also recognized for their work.
In the Limestone in Architecture category, Gastineau received the blue ribbon for his photograph of the Dunn Masonic Temple.
Emma Pedersen earned the blue ribbon in the General Limestone category with a close-up photograph of tombstone artwork. Gastineau received the red ribbon for a photograph showing a stone carver working on a statue, and Pedersen also earned the white ribbon with another close-up image of tombstone artwork.
In the Limestone in Nature category, Caroline Shelton received the blue ribbon for her photograph of limestone blocks. Gastineau earned the red ribbon for a photograph of a rock wall, while Shelton also received the white ribbon for another image featuring limestone blocks.
To see additional photo contest entries and more from the Limestone Heritage Festival, visit the Lawrence County Museum of History Facebook page.
The annual photo contest is one of several events associated with the Limestone Heritage Festival, celebrating the cultural, historical, and artistic importance of limestone in Lawrence County and the surrounding region. Winners’ photographs showcase limestone’s role in architecture, natural landscapes, and community landmarks while highlighting the creativity of photographers of all ages.
