ITHACA, N.Y. — How do you tell the story of a year? From sunsets to protests to parades to hockey games, a lot happened in 2025. We asked readers to submit their favorite moments from the past year to feature in our annual reader photography showcase. Here are some of them.
Photo credit: Carla DeMello
Many Ithacans exercised their right to protest this year, often prompted by major changes by President Donald Trump in his second term. Several thousand Ithacans attended an April 5 protest organized as part of the nationwide “Hands Off” movement. The protest culminated in a march that ended on the Meadow Street bridge, as seen in this panorama by reader Carla DeMello.
Photo credit: Bob Riter
An extended cold snap last January created the perfect conditions to transform Cayuga Inlet into a huge skating rink. The uncommon phenomenon lasted for several days before the ice became too fragile to support weight.
Photo credit: Larry Baum
It was a big year for the “Lynah Faithful,” the dedicated fans of Cornell University’s ice hockey teams. The university’s women’s team won a place in the national NCAA “Frozen Four” semifinals. The men’s team competed in the regional NCAA finals.
Photo credit: Lisa Carrier-Titti
Solar storms last year provided Ithacans a few more chances to view the Aurora Borealis after a spectacular showing in 2024. The phenomenon was visible from Stewart Park.
Photo credit: Lisa Carrier-Titti Credit: Lisa Carrier-Titti
Members of the Fall Creek Brass Band perform in the annual Ithaca Day Parade.
Photo credit: Travis DeMello
Joggers of all ages take in the sights on the Black Diamond Trail.
Photo credit: Bob Riter Credit: Bob Riter
A boater navigates icy winter waters.
Photo credit: Larry Baum Credit: Larry Baum
A view of Taughannock Falls as the leaves start to turn.
Photo credit: Bob Riter Credit: Bob Riter
A dancer from local Polynesian dance studio Hula Hut performs in one of Ithaca’s many parades.
Photo credit: Larry Baum Credit: Larry Baum
Sunset over Cayuga Lake.
Photo credit: Carla DeMello Credit: carla demello
Cornell University students held their annual “Dragon Day” celebration last March. First year architecture students build a massive sculpture of a dragon and parade the beast around the campus.
Photo credit: Larry Baum Credit: Larry Baum
A close encounter with a gray fox in the Ulysses backyard of reader Larry Baum.
Photo credit: Linda Weaver Credit: Linda Weaver
Flowers in a rooftop garden tended by Linda Weaver and other residents of downtown senior living building McGraw House.
Photo credit: Bob Riter Credit: Bob Riter
A local textile artisan shows off her work.
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