By Sean P. Ray | Managing Editor

The Northside Chronicle’s Spirit of the Holiday photo contest has come to a close, with a returning contender taking the victory.

Indeed, this contest was in many ways a bit of a repeat of our Cutest Pet photo contest, which remains our most popular. Of all the photos we got sent in for this contest, a total of 75% of them featured a pet in some way, shape or form. And while the number of cats pictured outnumbered dogs by a two-to-one ratio, it was man’s best friend which took home the win.

“Ralphie Barker takes in the magic of Christmas” is our winning photo, submitted by Stacy Berkbile of Brighton Heights. As some may recall, Ralphie tied for fourth place in our Cutest Pet contest, but it appears the addition of some Christmas cheer was able to give him the win this time.

The photo featured the eponymous Ralphie Barker gazing over some very bright Christmas decorations. Perhaps what made this photo so sweet and memorable was the soft focus on the lights in the background, making them appear as if through a snowy haze, even if the ground appears free of any such snow in the picture.

Our doggy hero has his back turned to the camera, and one wonders what kind of expression he has on his face as he takes in the lights. Is he contemplative, his mouth closed and eyes fixed on the lights? Or is he panting away, a big canine smile planted on his face? Sometimes not knowing makes things all the better.

Of course the name “Ralphie” is synonymous with Christmas. After all, who can forget Ralphie Parker, the protagonist of the holiday classic “A Christmas Story.” Although, it’s much less likely Ralphie Barker will shoot his eye out with any of his Christmas presents. At least hopefully so.

Congratulations to Stacy and Ralphie on their victory.

Before we move on, we wanted to note a bit of astonishment on our part. We started the Spirit of the Holiday photo contest in October specifically so our readers could choose from multiple holidays to photograph. Halloween costumes, families seated around a Thanksgiving table or Christmas lights were all in play for the competition.

However, we received no photos for the first two months of the contest, and it is with that we realized everyone was waiting for Christmas to take and submit their pictures. I don’t blame you readers for waiting, as Christmas is a very photogenic holiday, but I will admit to a small bit of disappointment, as Halloween is my personal favorite and I was really looking forward to what our readers might send in.

Ah well, maybe something to keep in mind if we ever do this theme again. Perhaps separate categories for each of the holidays?

But on the topic of other photo contests, it’s time we announced the theme for our next competition. With our Cutest Pet theme proving so popular, we figured it was time for a follow- up of sorts. Only this time, you won’t be able to send in your favorite four-legged friend, or at least not as the main feature.

Our next theme is Cutest Baby! That’s right, we want your best baby photos. The subject of the photo need not currently be a baby. We’ll take pictures from all decades, and you can even send in your own baby photos if you want. Human babies only, however. No fur babies this time.

This contest is restricted to Northside residents or residents of surrounding neighborhoods only. The photographed babies should be two-years old or younger.

People entering our contest should include their name, home neighborhood, the baby’s or babies’ names, the age of the babies featured and an optional title if they so wish.

Photos can be sent via email to editor@ thenorthsidechronicle.com or to our Instagram account, @nschronicle via messenger. Note we will not accept pictures sent to us on Facebook or other social media platforms.

The contest has begun with the publication of this issue and we will be accepting submissions through March 20, 2024. Voting will begin on the next day and run through noon on March 27, 2024.

The winner will have their photo published in the baby and earn certain bragging rights. Runners up will be featured on our website.

So come on Northside and send us your best baby pictures. You might just have a chance to win!