Niagara Falls contest offers up to $5,000 for frozen falls photos

Niagara Parks, Niagara Falls Tourism and the City of Niagara Falls are holding a photo and video contest from Feb. 20–25 with cash prizes up to $5,000; winners will be announced in March.

Niagara Falls is drawing attention this winter for extensive ice formations that make parts of the falls appear frozen. Niagara Parks, Niagara Falls Tourism and the City of Niagara Falls have launched a short photo and video contest to capture the icy scenes. The submission window runs Feb. 20 to 25 and contest winners will be announced in March. Officials note the water continues to flow beneath sheets of ice and that winter infrastructure affects conditions. Key details: - The contest accepts both photos and videos and runs from Feb. 20 to Feb. 25. - Cash prizes are listed as $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second and $1,000 for third, with separate awards for photos and videos. - Niagara Parks states the falls do not fully freeze; ice can form a crust while water still flows underneath. - Historical context includes a 30-hour stoppage by ice in March 1848 and the use of an "ice boom" since 1964 to limit river ice movement. - Niagara Parks notes about 75% of the river flow is diverted for hydroelectricity during winter months. - The viewing platform at the Power Station tunnel is closed due to high water, while other viewpoints and attractions are recommended by officials. Summary: The contest highlights the unusual winter appearance of Niagara Falls and has generated public interest in photographs and videos of the icy formations. Winners will be announced in March after the Feb. 20–25 submission period.