NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — The winners of the North Dakota Governor’s Photo Contest — an event hosted to highlight the beauty of the Peace Garden State — have been announced.

This year, photographers could submit photos through Instagram or a direct online upload. There were 813 submissions from 170 photographers, making it a record-breaking competition. Winners were chosen based on scenery across the four seasons, as well as captivating activities for each season.

Governor Doug Burgum, Lt. Governor Tammy Miller, North Dakota Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman, and North Dakota Folklorist Troyd Geist were in attendance to present the entries.

“This year’s Governor’s Photo Contest truly showcases the beauty of North Dakota across all seasons and activities,” Governor Burgum said. “The record-breaking number of entries and the talent displayed are inspiring. These photos will be powerful tools in promoting our state as a must-visit destination.”

From Mandan, Theresa Mallory won Best in Show for “Celebrate! Bismarck Looking at Mandan” by capturing the Fourth of July fireworks.

Fall Category Winners:

  • Fall Scenery: Paulette Bullinger from Bismarck for “Sims Historic Church”
    • Honorable Mention: Corey Serr from Minot for “The Three Musketeers”
    • Honorable Mention: Miranda Lindstrom from Amenia for “Harvest Grass”
  • Fall Activities: Lindy Beardsley from Williston for “Chasing Sun or Chasing Antlers?”
    • Honorable Mention: Cody Schmidt from Minot for “Dove Watching”
    • Honorable MentionL Casey Helling from Golden Valley for “Can You See What I See?”

Spring Category Winners

  • Spring Scenery: Paulette Bullinger from Bismarck for “Blossoms in May”
    • Honorable Mention: Kevin Hice from Washburn for “Hen, Redhead with Duckling”
  • Spring Events: Jay Larson from Fargo for “Trail Happy”
    • Honorable Mention: Angie Waletzko from Lisbon for “Family Flyers”

Summer Category Winners

  • Summer Scenery: David Tutterrow from Bismarck for “Summer Flowers”
    • Honorable Mention: Jen Raab from Bismarck for “Searching for a Pot of Gold”
    • Honorable Mention: Erika Edwards from Mandan for “Pocket of Sunshine”
  • Summer Activities: Theresa Mallory from Mandan for “Celebrate! Bismarck Looking at Mandan” (Best in Show winner)
    • Honorable Mention: Tangula Unruh from Bismarck for “Soar High”
    • Honorable Mention: Brian Heskin from Minot for “Little Shell Powwow”

Winter Category Winners

  • Winter Scenery: Casey Helling from Golden Valley for “Beulah Bay Sunrise”
    • Honorable Mention: Shanice Bailey from Cavalier for “Hallson Church Vignette”
  • Winter Activities: Brock Mitchell from Rolla for “Tip-Ups at Sun Up”
    • Honorable Mention: Tim Samuelson from Fargo for “Frosty Morning Ride”

You’ll be able to find these photos on display at the North Dakota State Capitol on the 18th floor starting at the beginning of May, or by visiting this page.