Arboretum Poetry Contest
Arboretum Poetry Contest
Fremont Area Community Foundation, in partnership with Fremont Area District Library, is hosting the Arboretum Poetry Contest. We invite you to compose and share an original poem related to humanity and our natural world and demonstrate your creative talents!
Who may enter?
The contest is open to anyone of any age who lives in Newaygo County. There is a limit of one entry per person. Entries may be mailed, brought to the library, or submitted via email no later than May 1, 2023.
What types of poetry may be submitted?
Poems do not need to follow a particular format. Participants are encouraged to write about whatever personally engages them in nature, or the relationship between nature and humanity. Submissions should be limited to one page, and poems may be selected to be read live at the Arboretum Poetry Event on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 5-7 p.m.
Judging criteria:
Entries will be evaluated on the following criteria by a panel of poets, creative writers, educators, and philanthropists.
1. Original thought and perspective
2. Relevance to Newaygo County nature, humanity, and/or the connection between the two
3. Word choice that powerfully conveys imagery and effectively conveys the subject
4. Rhythm, pattern, rhyme, metaphor, and/or analogy as relevant to the type of poem
Winners:
Awards will be announced at the Arboretum Poetry Event on Friday, May 19, from 5-7 p.m. at Arboretum Park, 529 Iroquois Drive, Fremont. A winner from each age group will receive a cash prize: $250 for ages 0-10 and $500 each for ages 11-17 and 18+. If there is inclement weather, the event will take place at Fremont Area District Library.
How to enter:
- Complete the two-page entry form electronically or by hand. Return both pages by mail, email, or bring in to the library by May 1.
- Do not put any identifying information on the second page.
- All entries become property of Fremont Area District Library and will not be returned.
Deliver, mail, or email both pages of this form to: