A Canine Mardi Gras Paw-ty...Swamp Buggy Races...Tattoofest...and Lots More

1/11/08- From winter diving and buggy racing in the swamps to Mardi Gras festivities and carnivals galore, the premier non-profit photography website TakeGreatPictures.com selects the best photo opportunities across the country. The web site recommends unique fairs, festivals, getaways and other extravaganzas where photographers of all levels can develop their artistic skill for capturing the interesting and extraordinary, while creating some fun new memories for the new year. Below is TakeGreatPictures.com's list for Winter 2008.

JANUARY 2008 1. ICEBOX DAYS XXVIII (INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN) / JANUARY 17 International Falls, MN - When most people think of the word "icebox," they probably think of refrigerators that are in need of a good defrosting. But in International Falls (where they look forward to cold, snowy, winter months), "icebox" reminds them of frozen turkey bowling and snow sculpting. That's because from January 17-20 International Falls hosts an event aptly titled "Icebox Days," a cold weather festival that celebrates, well, cold weather! In addition to frozen turkey bowling, they feature smoosh races, snowshoeing and the "Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run," a 5 or 10K race. Link: http://www.internationalfallsmn.us/iceboxdays.shtml

2. RETURNING SEA LIONS @ PIER 39 (SAN FRANCISO ) / JANUARY 19 San Francisco's Pier 39 K-Dock once again celebrates the annual return of hundreds of sea lions to the SF Bay. Visitors can view the mammals up close, bathing in the sun and lounging in the docks from 12pm to 4pm. Sea life experts from Marine Mammal Center will also be there to discuss the animals with viewers. For more information, call the SF Bureau of Tourism at +1 (415) 391-2000.

3. POLAR BEAR JUMPOFF FESTIVAL (SEWARD, AK) / JANUARY 20 Seward, AK hosts the annual Polar Bear Jumpoff weekend, which includes a variety of unique competitions, such as the waitress & waiter contest, goofy golf, and bed-making contest. The festival has continued to grow and prosper since 1986, and all proceeds go to the Alaska Division of the American Cancer Society. The highlight of the festival is to take the "Plunge" into Resurrection Bay. Link: http://www.sewardak.org/news-events/polarbear.htm

4. BARKUS MARDI GRAS PARADE (NEW ORLEANS, LA) / JANUARY 27 From 10:30am to 2pm, the city known for its debauchery celebrates its canine companions in the amazingly colorful Barkus parade. The parade will take place at Armstrong Park, where doggies and owners can convene and make some new friends, of the human and animal variety. Be sure to stay after the parade for the after-Pawty in the park! Link: http://barkus.org/

FEBRUARY 2008

5. THE HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE (ORLANDO, FL) / FEBRUARY 19 Visit an interactive recreation of Jerusalem during Jesus' time at the Holy Land Experience in Orlando. The small theme park is located near Disneyworld and holds many highlights, including information from actors about Herod's Gate (recreated in a half-scale replica) and the Via Dolorosa, as well as the multimedia shows at the Wilderness Tabernacle and the Temple of the Great King, which evoke the world of Roman Jerusalem in greater detail. Link: http://www.theholylandexperience.com/

6. LANGLEY MYSTERY WEEKEND (LANGLEY, WA) / FEBRUARY 23 Enter a weekend full of mystery and investigation at the small artist's colony in Langley, WA. The annual murder-mystery event is full of excitement, as residents and visitors try to solve the "crime." Participants are given a newspaper with information, photos of "suspects" and a map to the crime scene and locations for clues. The plot and explanations are revealed at the finale, where prizes are awarded to those who have solved the "crime." Link: http://www.langleymystery.com/

MARCH 2008

7. SWAMP BUGGY RACES (NAPLES FL)/ MARCH 1 A radical tradition since 1943 when it began with only a few racers, there are now over 70 racers vying for the coveted first place title and the brand new shotgun prize. This exciting event takes place in Florida Sports Park on March 1-2. Spectators and participants should be sure to stick around after the race and watch the ceremonial mud dunking of the newly crowned Swamp Buggy Queen! Link: http://www.swampbuggy.com/

8. FROZEN DEAD GUY DAYS (NEDERLAND, CO)/ MARCH 7 Every year in Nederland, CO, there is a bizarre celebration for Bredo Morstel, the "frozen dead guy." Originally from Norway, the deceased body was transferred to CO and remains there in a cryogenic state. There are a variety of events held in his honor, including a coffin race, to commemorate his frozenness in a shed behind his daughter's old house. Link: http://www.nederlandchamber.org/FrozenDeadGuyDays/index.html

9. DENVER MARCH POWWOW (DENVER, CO) / MARCH 22 The 34th annual Denver Powwow, held at the Denver Coliseum features over 700 dancers and musicians from 70 Native American tribes, all competing through dance, style and expression. Visitors can learn more about Native American customs and marvel at the interesting traditional costumes. There will also be a Storytelling room, arts and crafts, and a lot of delicious fry bread and other Native American foods. Link: http://www.denvermarchpowwow.org/

10. TATTOOFEST (TAMPA BAY, FL) / MARCH 27 - 29 All those who adore the artistic expression on the body should head to Tampa's Doubletree Hotel on March 27 - 29, when it hosts the annual Tattoofest. With competitions, entertainment, and discussions, there will be something for everybody who loves tattoos and piercings. Link: http://www.tattoofest.com/main.html

ABOUT TAKEGREATPICTURES.COM TakeGreatPictures.com is the premier web site for photographers of all ages and ability levels. The site offers tips and techniques from expert photographers, columns on digital photography and scrapbooking and the latest on new equipment, events and more.

Established in 2001, TakeGreatPictures.com receives an average of 90,000 visitors per month and has earned glowing reviews in media outlets nationwide. TakeGreatPictures.com is a non-profit service of the PhotoImaging Information Council (PIC), a joint venture of the Photoimaging Manufacturers & Distributors Association (PMDA) and the Photo Marketing Association (PMA). PIC's goal is to help consumers say and do more with their photos as well as to raise consumer awareness and involvement in photography.

ABOUT PMDA Formed in 1939, The PhotoImaging Manufacturers and Distributors Association seeks to promote imaging, involve member companies in charting the photoimaging industry's future and gain perspective on technologies and business methods that will enhance members' standing in the marketplace. PMDA also administers programs that promote photography to the general public, such as the PhotoImaging Information Council (PIC).

ABOUT PMA As a professional trade organization, the Photo Marketing Association helps the worldwide photo imaging community achieve business success and adapt to new technologies. Its commitment to 20,000 members in 100-plus countries is part of an 81-year legacy that connects business owners to a network of knowledge and support. PMA furthers this purpose through the development of educational programs, business services, marketing research, publications, and trade shows. As a non-profit organization, any success enjoyed by PMA in its endeavors directly benefits the industry, allowing PMA to provide continual services and activities for members.