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Here are the winners of the #DearDTPHX Photo + Caption Contest 📸

by Lauren Potter
Arts & Culture Community Lauren Potter September 10, 2020

During the month of August, people from all around the Valley of the Sun took to Instagram to share their love for Downtown Phoenix in the #DearDTPHX photo + caption contest. Each winner receives the ultimate Downtown Experience prize pack including a hotel stay, membership to an arts and culture institution, and $50 gift cards for dining, retail and fun things to do.

With over 148 submissions, the esteemed panel of judges had a hard decision. After careful deliberation, many smiles, and even some misty eyes after reading all the thoughtful entries, here are the winning pics:

Best Overall | @jennylovesparks

Photo: @jennyloveparks / Jenny Aranda

“#DearDTPHX, moving to Arizona was scary, but I’m thankful for the cultural a.f. sanctuary that I found in Downtown Phoenix. We love your murals, we love your culture, we love your food, we love that you let us skate on your sidewalks, and we love your acceptance! TY for showing out in the form of murals, protests, and community.”

Best Caption | @eldeeen.explores

Photo: @eldeeen.explores / Elden Andrews

“#DearDTPHX, The variety from your evolving city skyline to your inviting surrounding residential streets keeps me on a tireless search for different perspectives. Whether it be on foot, by skateboard, or even bike, the ability to move freely and quickly around you is my favorite part while seeing all of you. I welcome the opportunity to find new ways to do just by you and show you off in your best light.”

Best Photo | @unheard_harmony

Photo: @unheard_harmony / Danny Upshaw

“#DearDTPHX, I appreciate your resilience and it reminded me of this lovely quote by Toni Morrison:  “Definitions belong to the definer, not the defined.” This quote means to me, everything we experience is to each their own and it changes depending on the person’s experiences. Reminds me of the way we conceive the world around us and differs from person to person.”

Most Pawsitive | @tillythetriever

Photo: @tillythetriever / Emily Glen

“#DearDTPHX , thank you for always being there for us on Saturday mornings for a local cup of coffee, a stroll through the city and of course a pit stop at our favorite pop-up dog park. Thank you for hosting the best events (Howl-O-Ween parade was our fav) and allowing us so many opportunities to make new friends. Thank you for being so beautiful and welcoming to these out-of-towners. You opened up your arms for us and never looked back. And for that, we will forever be thankful. Keep being beautiful, we’ll love you forever! ♥ Emily & Tilly”


#DearDTPHX: We want to thank each and every one of you who participated in our first-ever photo + caption contest. We read each and every entry, and are so touched by your kind words, your thoughtful memories and your love for this place. We are so grateful you’re here, helping us shape this beautiful neighborhood and sharing its story in the process.