The Buchanan County Tourism Bureau is holding its first digital photo submission contest! Send all photos to [email protected]. Please read all rules below! 

The BCTB digital photo contest    is being sponsored by: S&K Collectibles, McGraw Carpets, Indee Café, BlackEarth Landscape, Dawn Vogel- Realtor, & Berkshire Hathaway. Both amateurs and professionals alike are allowed and encouraged to enter! There will be 5 winning photos selected, 1 for each category and 1 overall winner. The photo submission categories include: History & Heritage, Land & Water Trails, Fairs & Festivals, & Parks & Outdoor Recreation. There will be $75 cash prizes for the winning photo of each category, and 1 Grand Prize Overall Winner of $250.  In addition to the top cash prizes, the winning photos will be featured on our travelbuchanan.com website and in our 2024 visitor guide!
 
RULES:
Anyone may participate. Entrants under the age of 18 must have consent of a legal guardian to enter. 
 
Photos MUST be taken by the entrant and be their original work with sole rights to the photo.
 
By submitting photos, entrants agree to release all rights of said photos to Buchanan County Tourism for use including, but not limited to: advertising, promotional, or marketing purposes. 

All photos MUST be submitted by 11:59 PM on September 30, 2023 to be entered to win.
 
All photos MUST be submitted via email to [email protected]. Any photos entered from any other means will not be entered into the contest. Entry MUST include photographer's name (first and last), phone number, age, and location where the photo was taken.
 
All photos MUST be in jpeg format and be between 2 MB- 20MB. 
 
Each photographer may enter up to 20 images.
 
Photographers need not reside in Buchanan County, but ALL photos MUST be taken within Buchanan County, Iowa to enter.
 
Ideas of photos include, but are not limited to: fairs and events, attractions, wildlife, nature, sports, landscapes, etc. Photos may also include people!
 
Buchanan County Tourism reserves the right to disqualify any entry that is deemed inappropriate or does not conform to stated contest rules.
 
A selection committee will judge the submitted photos and choose the winning photographs. Winners will be notified via phone on Monday, October 16, 2023. Prizes must be claimed at the Illinois Central Railroad Depot Tuesday, October 17- October 31, 2023 by appointment.

Did you know that Buchanan County is home to one of the largest, oldest, and  perhaps most traditional Amish communities in Iowa? It's true!  And did you also know that you can visit their community for a shopping experience like none other? 
There are bakeries, greenhouses,  food/spices, produce,  building materials, farm, general,  furniture, quilts, discount grocery,  and many miscellaneous stores nestled in the serene Amish Community that sits just West of Hazleton!   Whether you are looking for that special something, or just looking to enjoy a peaceful day away from all the noise and stresses of your day-to-day life, the Amish shopping experience is sure to  please!  Whether it's your first time visiting Amish Country or you  stop by every summer, this  list of tips and tricks is sure to teach you something you didn't know! 

1. Make sure to have cash or check on hand!
The Amish do not use electricity, therefore, they cannot run your credit/debit cards.  The nearest ATM  locations include: Pronto in Hazleton and Casey's in Fairbank.
2. Make sure to have your Amish map  or get one HERE! 
They are available at most stores, and many stores have a QR code you can scan to have it available in digital form.  There will be  updated maps out in Spring 2024 (if you see a business not listed, it  is likely a new business and will be on the 2024 version!) 
3. Go Before You Go!
Make sure to use the restroom before you leave home or know where to go for indoor restrooms. The 150 Discount Store and Plainview Country Store both have indoor restrooms. Many other stores have a port-a-potty located just outside the store. 
4.  No photography allowed (without permission!)
The Amish do not  allow photographs of themselves. They may allow pictures of items, but do not want their photo taken. Please be respectful. 
5. Be Patient!
Many times, the store is in a building next to their house. If you enter a shop during their business hours and do not see a worker, give them a minute. They are likely working on something in the yard or house and will be with you in a minute or two. 
6.  Go Early!
Many greenhouses are open Mid-April to late October.  They get very busy for Mother's Day weekend, so plan a week ahead to get the best selections! The same goes for  fall season with mums and pumpkins. The mums are usually ready sometime around Mid-August, but you will want to check early to make sure you don't miss out!  Bakeries are yet another business you will want to check out early in the day. They are a huge hit, so be sure to stop in  when they open around 8:00 for the best selections!
7. Check the Hours!
Many Amish businesses are open M-Sat 8-5, with the exception of holidays. The other exception is bakeries! Bakeries are usually open on Fridays and Saturdays ONLY. Please check the days/times before you plan your visit if you are hoping to get some delicious, homemade treats! 
8. Use the Phone Number Listed (if there is one!)
Some Amish businesses have a phone number listed that you may call to place an order. They usually have a message system set up and will call you back when they are able. There are several phone booths set up on the outskirts of Amish residences or just outside of their property that they may use for business purposes. 
9.   Plan Ahead!
Grab your friends and family and get ready to have some fun!  Don't forget to  leave enough room in your vehicle to haul all your good finds home! Whether you are stopping at the produce and flower auctions (every Tues and Friday at 10:30  mid-April to mid-October), or buying plants, baked goods, or any other items, you will want to make sure to leave lots of room in your car to bring it all home! 
10. RELAX & ENJOY! 
There nothing quite like unplugging for the day and witnessing the peace and tranquility of the Amish way of life. You will have fun getting to know them and spending time in their community!