Second annual poetry contest open to all Laredoans
A call for entries has been announced for the Second Annual Laredo Poetry Festival Contest. The event is set for Saturday, April 23, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Laredo Public Library's main branch at1120 E. Calton Rd. The deadline to submit entries is Wednesday, March 30, at 8 p.m.
“Poetry is such a beautiful and powerful way of expressing thoughts and emotions, social or political commentaries, or even just silly and fun observations,” said Janice Weber, director of the Laredo Public Library. “That's one reason why this contest is so valuable: it allows people to express themselves and to appreciate another form of literature that perhaps isn't understood so well.”
Topics for the contest include “What Laredo Means To Me” (the people, culture, history, traditions, two nations united) or any topic the author chooses to write about. Poems may be written in any format, but should be no longer than two pages, double-spaced, and can be in either English or Spanish. Only one entry per person will be accepted.
Age categories are broken down into five groups: first to third grade, fourth to fifth grade, sixth to eighth grade, ninth to twelfth grade, and adults 18 and over.
A panel of judges will review the poems and select the winners. The top three in each group will read their poems at the Poetry Festival in April, as well as receive monetary prizes, which include $30 for first place, $20 for second place, and $10 for third place. Winners will also receive a dictionary, a book of poems, and school supplies. The winners' poems will also be published. All participants will receive certificates as well. Students must use the official entry form and provide a parent release form.
The contest is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Laredo Community College , Laredo Independent School District , Laredo Public Library, Texas A&M International University and United Independent School District .
