Despite some patchy rain, clouds and chilly weather, thousands of faithful Fairfax County park-goers enjoyed the tradition of First Hike along trails and within local parks on New Year’s Day. Several hundred visitors participated in the Fairfax County Park Authority’s annual First Hike Photo Contest by submitting their best photos of their visit. A panel of judges has reviewed the entries and selected a group of finalists for the 2024 People’s Choice Award – to be selected by popular vote among the community.

Cast your vote this weekend at https://bit.ly/2024-first-hike-peoples-choice! Voting is open through 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will receive a $100 Park Authority gift card.

“The Park Authority would like to thank the thousands of visitors who decided to spend their New Year’s Day in the parks and along the trails,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “Not only does our park system offer great opportunities to promote healthy, active living for individuals of all ages and abilities, but these experiences also serve to bring communities together. We appreciate the strong support of our countywide community as we provide a vastly diverse range of amenities, programs, special events and activities to enhance the quality of life we enjoy here.”

A complete gallery of photos submitted as part of the 2024 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest are available on the Park Authority’s Flickr page. Winners will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 11.