Marcella Townsend
Annapolis, Maryland – Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC), the tourism marketing and management organization for the City of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, announced today the winner of its inaugural Photo Contest. VAAAC sought images that inspire travelers to experience the history, adventures, waterfront activities, tradition, culinary treasures, or charm that appeal to those considering a vacation to Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
Marcella Townsend of Annapolis submitted her photo “August Dawn” which captured a colorful morning scene over Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. “Since moving to Annapolis in July, I have been in awe of the sunrise views over the Chesapeake Bay,” said Townsend. “The first thing I do every morning is look out toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and watch the sky light up. On this day in August, I saw such intensity in the colors I wanted to capture it. I think the inlet and piers in front of our home created a strong foreground to balance the drama on the horizon.”
Towsend will receive the grand prize, which includes a prominent feature in the 2024 VAAAC Visitor Guide with a Q&A style editorial sidebar, one $100 Visa Gift Card, an invite to a VIP Visitor Guide reveal celebration in January, and an Annapolis & Anne Arundel County gift basket.
“We received so many amazing images that captured the essence of our distinct bayside destination, rich history, and heritage, and we thank our residents and visitors for their submissions,” said VAAAC Tourism Marketing Manager, Brandi McKeating. “It was not an easy decision to choose a winner, but the rosy hues and calm bay views of Marcella’s photo won us over.”
The 100-page VAAAC Visitor Guide is read by over a hundred thousand (100,000+) visitors annually and conveniently found across Maryland hotels and attractions and shipped to travelers across the country. To be the first to see and read the highly anticipated 2024 Visitor Guide, sign up for the VAAAC Newsletter here. View the winning photograph here.
About Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County: Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) is a nonprofit, partnership-focused Destination Marketing/Management Organization (DMO). VAAAC’s mission is to foster a welcoming destination and promote tourism on behalf of our visitors, partners, and community. VAAAC’s efforts are guided by four core priorities: to cultivate and lead a diverse and inclusive hospitality and tourism community, to collaborate with partners across the destination, to drive prosperity and sustainability, and to strengthen organizational capacity. In 2021, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County boasted a $3.1B tourism economy and welcomed more than 6 million visitors.
