Though Christmas may still be five months away, the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce already is getting into the holiday spirit.

Chamber officials announced this week they are again looking for photo submissions from Freeborn County residents for the 2011 Chamber Christmas ornament.

Submissions will be displayed and voted on by area residents in September.

Previous winning photos have included the fountains on Fountain Lake in 2004, the Fountain Lake Park gazebo in 2005, Albert Lea Lake in 2006, downtown Albert Lea in 2007, the trail near the Brookside boat landing in 2008, Katherine Island in the winter in 2009 and Hatch Bridge in 2010.

“It’s a great way for individuals to showcase their pictures,” said chamber Operations Manager Tami Jensen.

Typically, between 15 and 30 entries are submitted.

To participate, people can drop off 4-by-6-inch photos at the chamber office in the Northbridge Mall or email them to operations@albertlea.org from Aug. 1 through Aug. 17. They can also be mailed to 2580 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea.

Up to two photos per person may be submitted, and pictures will not be returned and may be used for other publications.

Photos may not include people.

The photos will be numbered and posted in the chamber office and online at www.albertlea.org from Sept. 12-29. Residents can vote in person or on the website.

The picture with the most votes will be featured on the 2011 Chamber Christmas ornament, which is a three-inch, round, full-color ceramic ornament.

The person who took the winning photo will win a gift basket of donated items from area businesses.

To reserve a 2011 Christmas ornament, people can call the chamber office at 373-3938.