Culture

See the winner of our 2023 Picture of the Year contest

You all voted on your favorite reader-submitted photo — now, see which one is crowned Picture of the Year.

January 29, 2024 • 
Emily Shea-Owen
PictureoftheYearFinalistsPlaceholder.jpg

“Heron running on water at the Chickamauga Dam.” | Photo submitted by reader Ben S.

Table of Contents
Winner: “Heron running on water at the Chickamauga Dam”
Finalist: “Thunderstorms are as much our friends as the sunshine”
Finalist: “Up-close and personal with Saffron, the Chattanooga Zoo’s newest Red Panda”
Finalist: "Row watchers"
Finalist: "Motorcar Festival Old School”

The votes are in for the NOOGAtoday 2023 Picture of the Year contest. With 1,027 total responses, check out the finalists below, including the winner that you, our readers, voted for.

Winner: “Heron running on water at the Chickamauga Dam”

486 votes. We love seeing photos of Chattanooga’s native wildlife.

NOOGAtoday | storm

“Thunderstorms are as much our friends as the sunshine.” | Photo submitted by reader Tarah K.

Finalist: “Thunderstorms are as much our friends as the sunshine”

259 votes. This photo was captured at the perfect time during a Chattanooga storm.

NOOGAtoday | red panda

“Up-close and personal with Saffron, the Chattanooga Zoo’s newest red panda.” | Photo submitted by reader Jake C.

Finalist: “Up-close and personal with Saffron, the Chattanooga Zoo’s newest Red Panda”

210 votes. We can’t help but smile at this adorable red panda.

NOOGAtoday | Row watchers

“Row watchers.” | Photo submitted by Tony H.

Finalist: “Row watchers”

36 votes. The crowds come out to support rowing events like the Head of the Hooch in the Scenic City.

NOOGAtoday | Motorcar

“Motorcar Festival Old School.” | Photo submitted by reader Brandon M.

Finalist: “Motorcar Festival Old School”

36 votes. This photo freezes time during one of the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival races.

More from NOOGAtoday
Outdoor market scene under a "Farmers on First Grocery Market" tent. People socialize, shop, and enjoy sunny weather. Energetic and community-focused atmosphere.
Live
Shop around these farmers markets in Chattanooga
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 18 farmers markets around Chattanooga, TN.
April 9, 2026
 · 
Staff
Photo of a pint of beer with a red logo on it and the words "Five Wits." The beer is sitting on a table with a sheet of paper and a small stack of papers that say "Chatt Trivia"
Events
30+ weekly trivia nights in Chattanooga
Assemble the dream team and test your trivia wits at these bars, breweries, and restaurants.
April 8, 2026
 · 
Staff
Exterior of a brick IMAX theater with a modern design, featuring a tall, glass-front entrance. The sign reads "IMAX THEATER." Atmosphere is calm.
Entertainment
“Project Hail Mary” coming back to Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX theater
Back by popular demand, the sci-fi thriller will have several more showings on Chattanooga’s largest screen.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Sarah Dickson
Modern house with colorful geometric facade and large windows, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. A serene, sunlit sky is in the background.
Real Estate
Inside Chattanooga’s most expensive home on the market
The $8.75M compound on Elder Mountain comes with too many luxury features to list.
April 6, 2026
 · 
Sarah Dickson
Picnic with flowers and crackers
Travel and Outdoors
Plan the perfect picnic in Chattanooga
Get ready to grab your blankets and stock your baskets — it’s picnic season.
April 2, 2026
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A person in winter gear smiles while holding a "Southern Biology" banner at the snowy Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Colorful summit signs are visible.
Healthcare
Chattanooga professor donates a kidney, then climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro
How one local woman turned a life-saving gift into a global message.
April 1, 2026
 · 
Sarah Dickson
Musician on stage with guitar faces a large, outdoor audience seated on grass. It's a sunny day, creating a lively, festive atmosphere.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Chattanooga
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
March 31, 2026
 · 
Haley Bartlett
Aerial view of a vibrant urban riverside park, featuring green lawns, trees, walkways, a pier with boats, and nearby city buildings, evoking a lively atmosphere.
Development
Big changes coming to Chattanooga’s riverfront
A major project will bring new amenities and an 18-month closure starting this fall.
March 30, 2026
 · 
Sarah Dickson
City
Gallery: A closer look at Walnut Street Bridge renovations
With new decking, paint, lighting and more, one of Chattanooga’s most beloved landmarks is getting another 30+ years of life.
March 27, 2026
 · 
Sarah Dickson
Outdoor concert by a river with a vibrant crowd in colorful summer clothing. A band performs on stage under bright lights, with boats visible in the water.
Events
2026 Riverfront Nights lineup announced
The free summer concert series at Ross’s Landing will take place every Saturday night in late May through early September.
March 25, 2026
 · 
Kristen Templeton