In search of winning votes for Spellacy Bridge

There’s just something about a bridge that makes it photo-worthy. Bridges often make attractive photo opportunities because they combine structure, scenery and symbolism, and whether a person enjoys a bridge’s uniqueness, is taken by the strong lines and symmetry, is captivated by the scenery around it, enjoys the history of a bridge, or wants to see the lights at night, bridges have captured the fancy of people for many years.

With the creation of Spellacy Bridge near Loudonville, Holmes County now has a glorious bridge of its own that has already drawn countless fans to view it and capture it in photo.

Holmes Countians now have an opportunity to help the nation understand the beauty and drawing power of this structure.

The National Association of County Engineers Conference is coming up April 11-16, and as part of that week, the second annual bridge photo contest will tap the 2026 best bridge photo. The public will determine the winner.

The 2026 Bridge as a Fashion Model Competition, “A Celebration of County Bridges,” is currently under way, offering the public a chance to vote for their favorite bridge photo. What makes this a big deal is this contest is a national event, meaning the winner will get plenty of publicity and an award.

“We believe that Spellacy Bridge is the most beautiful bridge anywhere,” said Macin Hager, safety coordinator for the Holmes County Highway Department/Sewer Department. “Now it’s time to vote for it and let the whole nation see how beautiful it is.”

Hager said the plan is simple: just log on and vote for Spellacy Bridge.

He said for those in the area who have yet to travel to Wally Road near Loudonville to view the bridge, it’s worth the trip.

“It’s especially gorgeous when it’s all lit up at night,” Hager said.

After the success of the organization’s inaugural Bridge as a Fashion Model Competition in 2025, Dynamic Infrastructure announced the return of the competition for its second annual year.

This competition is a great opportunity to showcase bridges from the unique perspective of the engineers who design, maintain and care for them.

The 2026 Bridge as a Fashion Model Competition invited county engineers to submit a standout bridge picture from their county to showcase its design, environment or day-to-day reality from the eyes of those who know it best.

Now it’s up to the public to do its job, and Young is hopeful the public will turn out en masse to support Spellacy Bridge.

Anyone can cast their vote through April 14, but only one vote per person, which means the hops is many people in the area will log on and show their support.

Spellacy Bridge has already garnered plenty of national awards for its beauty and elegance, and Hager said one more feather in the cap would be awesome.

To vote, visit diglobal.tech/bridge-as-a-fashion-model-competition-2026/. All that is needed is a first and last name and email.

Young said the winning bridge will be announced near the end of the annual conference.