This photo "best buds" is one of 18 finalists in Leader Publications Summer Fun Photo Contest.

As the temperature cools down outside, the Leader Publications Summer Fun Photo Contest is heating up.

Through online voting, readers have chosen the top 18 finalists who are vying for a top prize of $500. The second-place finisher will receive a pair of tickets to a Notre Dame football game.

The top three photos in each of the six categories advanced to the final round. A total of 744 photos were approved for the contest, and 2,521 votes have been cast so far.

Readers have until Sept. 30 to vote for their favorite photo. There is only one vote allowed per registered user. Winners will be announced Oct. 1.

Readers can vote for their favorite photo online by accessing the contest page through the “Summer Fun Photo Contest” link at leaderpub.com.