It took only one listen to Cass native Wyatt Turner’s song “You Remind Me of West Virginia,” for Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Commissioner of Tourism Amy Shuler Goodwin to draw inspiration for the West Virginia Division of Tourism photo contest.
“I distinctly remember the first time I heard Wyatt Turner sing ‘You Remind Me of West Virginia,’” Shuler Goodwin said in a press release. “I was so excited, I shared it with the entire GoToWV Team the very next day. It was the inspiration for this contest.”
The photo contest calls for participants to share images of West Virginia that remind them of that special someone in their lives, or a place that is a special part of their love story.
“I personally invite you to share your photos and your stories – tell us why that special someone in your life reminds you of West Virginia,” Shuler Goodwin said.
The top 20 finalists will see a special performance by Wyatt Turner on Valentine’s Day. At the performance, seven grand-prize winners will be randomly drawn to receive dinner and a two-night stay at one of the following locations: Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg, Café Cimino Country Inn in Sutton, Canaan Valley Resort State Park in Davis, Four Points by Sheraton in Charleston, lodge of your choice in Ohio County, and The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs.
Entries for the contest will be accepted during the month of January, ending on the 31st, at www.facebook. com/GoToWV. To enter, click on the Photo Contest tab, upload a photo and provide a brief description in 100 words or less. Contest participants are encouraged to share their entries with friends and family using the hashtag #YouRemindMeOfWV.
The public is welcome to vote on the photos on Facebook. The contest is limited to one vote per day per individual.
Turner said he hopes his song will fuel the inspiration of contestants as much as West Virginia inspires him.
“West Virginia holds a natural beauty and a feeling that is special and unparalleled by anywhere else in the world, not only because of its scenery but the humble people who happily live here,” Turner said in a press release. “I love where I come from and I wanted to wrap a song lyrically around the beauty of West Virginia. I hope my song can inspire others to tell their loved ones about how they’re not only as great as this state, but also a face that comforts them just like home. Best of luck to everyone.”
“You Remind Me of West Virginia” is available on Turner’s website through iTunes at www.wyattturnerofficial.com
For complete contest rules, visit https://woobox.com/offers/rules/jypdft
Suzanne Stewart may be contacted at sastewart@pocahontastimes.com
