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The Chisago County Press sponsored the photo contest for the Celebration of Lakes festival held in late January.

Submittals have been reviewed and three top winners’ pictures have been selected. The first place photo is on the front page. The two photos above are the second place and third place finishers. The view from directly beneath a very colorful, inspirational hot air ballon is by Stacy Ernst. The historic Chisago Lake Lutheran Church is seen between balloons during lift-off from Center City, giving a sense of place and old world charm-- in a photo taken by Shaun Benhardus.

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