Entries are now open for the Keep Iowa Beautiful photography contest, which will be held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the organization. There are five categories: Iowa Landscape, Iowa Water, Iowa Cities, Iowans in Action, and Iowa Wildlife.

Each category offers entrants an opportunity to share what they love about Iowa and what makes them proud to be an Iowan, said Keep Iowa Beautiful Executive Director Kevin Techau.

The deadline for entries is Dec. 18, with category winners announced Jan. 18, 2021.

Each of the five categories will be awarded first place: $100, second place: $75 and third place: $50. Additionally, the public’s favorite photo will win an additional $100, and the Robert D. Ray Best of Show Awards will be announced in late January 2021, with the first-place winner receiving $500, second place $250, and third place $100.

Former governor Robert Ray and founder and chairman of Casey’s General Stores Donald Lamberti launched Keep Iowa Beautiful in 2000, becoming the 23rd state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful.

Randi Ray, Robert and Billie Ray’s eldest daughter, will serve on a panel of judges.

“Photography was one of my dad’s favorite passtimes,” she said. “During his 14 years as governor, he and my mother traveled to many places around the world and he always had a camera around his neck.”

Contest rules and entry guidelines are available at keepiowabeautiful.com/photograph-contest.