The Howell Woodstock Festival photo contest drew a host of award-winning scenes, including a crow drinking water, a view of the Neuse River, and a dragonfly in flight.

Kathy Bobeck of Smithfield took the best in show award for her unique photo of a collection of mushrooms. Bobeck said the scene in her neighbor’s yard caught her eye because of the vast number and types of the fungi. “They were growing in a 5-foot circle and there were three different varieties,” she said. “I had never seen mushrooms like that before.”

Bobeck is a student in the fine arts program at Johnston Community College, but the contest attracted novice photographers from all ages and level of expertise.

Mary Roper of Middlesex and her three children submitted several entries and took home a total of six awards.

First-place winners were Kathy Bobeck of Smithfield, Derek Conti of Clayton, Rebecca Moore of Goldsboro, Erica Parnell of Micro, Cierra Peterson of Four Oaks, Jerrie Smith of McGee’s Crossroads, and Jeromy Roper, Trillian Roper and Tristany Roper, all of Middlesex. Second-place winners were Jess

Bridges of Sanford, Derek Conti of Clayton, Linda Langston of Princeton, Erica Parnell of Micro, Kathryn Rogers of Coats, Mary Roper and Tristany Roper, both of Middlesex, Emily Strickland of Princeton, and Derek Conti of Clayton. Third-place winners were Kathryn Rogers of Coats, Mary Roper and Tristany Roper, both of Middlesex, and Sonja Stone of Dunn.

The entries were displayed in the JCC Library during an opening reception Nov. 6. Howell Woods is an environmental learning center owned and operated by the college.