The Observer announces new contests for 2014

It’s a new year, and with that comes two new chances to win prizes in Observer contests. First up, we would love to hear your love stories! Entries for our Love Story contest may be submitted online from Jan. 16 through Jan. 30. To enter, go to YourObserver.com/LoveStory.

How did you know he or she was the one? Do you have a funny first date story? What makes your love story unique? Is there a love story you model your own after? Tell us your story in 200 words or less for a chance to win the perfect date night out package. The prize package includes a romantic dinner at CasAntica Italian Restaurant; a one-night stay at the Hyatt Regency, Sarasota; and a pair of earrings from Carats Fine Jewelry & Watches.

After submitting your entries, don’t forget to spread the word to your family and friends to vote for your story. Voting takes place on our website from Jan. 31 to Feb. 5. The winning story will be featured in the Feb. 13 issue of the Longboat, Sarasota and East County Observers and Pelican Press — just in time for Valentine’s Day!

The second Observer contest launched in the new year is our 2014 It’s Read Everywhere photo contest. You know the drill: Submit creative photos of yourself with an Observer publication while on your travels around the world.

And, based on submissions through Jan. 13, this year is shaping up to be one of our best yet. In our 2013 contest, we received a total of 141 entries taken on six continents — the only one missing was Antarctica.
However, we’ve already received a photo this year from adventurous travelers who visited our southern-most continent. In fact, we’ve already visited six continents this year — the only one missing is South America. Machu Picchu, anyone?

This year, our adventuresome readers have not one, but four chances to win in our It’s Read Everywhere contest. The readers who submit the top four vote-getting photos in our contest will each receive two travel tickets from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The vouchers may be used for flights on JetBlue, Delta, United and US Airways — perfect for planning your next vacation with your Observer newspaper in tow.

To enter, go to YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere. Submissions will be accepted through Sept. 30. Then, it’s voting time! Make sure to visit our website often throughout the month of October to make sure your photos rise to the top. Voting takes place Oct. 1 through Oct. 31; winners will be announced the second week in November.