Last chance to send 'Love Letters'

Today is the last day to enter the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corps.' "Love Letters to Niagara USA" contest.

The Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp. will accept letters via email or mail that document the joys, heartbreak, characters and personal connections that express what means most to those who live here, or those who honeymooned, vacationed, traveled to or used to live in Niagara USA.

Pictured with E-Marketing Coordinator Libby Woock (left) is Brittany Gornbein of Youngstown - soon to be relocating to Texas with her significant other, Derek Presti. The couple submitted a letter and several photos explaining how their relationship began and bloomed while working at the foot of Niagara Falls.

"I was actually on Instagram and I saw it pop-up on my newsfeed," she explained. "I thought, 'How funny.' So, I called Derek; I said, 'Oh my god, you have to hear about this contest - it perfectly suits us.' He was so excited. He said, 'Let's do it now!' So over the phone, we just kind of thought of some ideas and some memories that we wanted to put in."

The two have known each other for 11 years. They met on Goat Island, inside Niagara Falls State Park.

"I dug up some old pictures. It was neat to see that I still had pictures of us from back then," Gornbein said.

Every "Love Letters" submission will be posted on the "Explore Niagara USA" blog (entries can be anonymous, if requested). On Feb. 14, NTCC staff will choose one letter with the most "heart." The winner will receive a bottle of wine from Honeymoon Trail Winery of the Niagara Wine Trail USA; a DVD of "Niagara," starring Marilyn Monroe; and chocolates and other select sweet treats from local businesses. 

Email your letter (250-300 words) to [email protected], or mail it to "Love Letters to Niagara USA," NTCC, 10 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY 14303.

Include your contact information to be entered to win.

Joshua Maloni contributed to this report.