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Each year more than 200 poems are entered in the Upper Eastern Shore’s Regional Poetry contest. In it’s 14th year, the contest invites experienced and beginning writers to submit entries to this exciting annual event which is presented by the Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot County Arts Councils. What began as a partnership between the Kent and Queen Anne’s County Arts Councils in 1996 has grown to include a five county region of the upper and mid-shore counties with cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25 dollars awarded for first, second and third place in each of four categories: children / youth (grades 1-8), students (grades 9-12), adults (ages 18-59) and seniors (ages 60+).

In addition to the cash awards, winners will enjoy a public reception to recite their winning poems. Winners will be notified no later than the second week of April. Employees of the participating arts councils are not eligible to submit entries. Entrants must be residents, students or employees in the participating counties, and may not submit previously published or award winning poems. Full details and rules are available with each entry form.

This event is unique to the area and offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring and accomplished poets to have their work judged by working writers and to read to an audience. Educators are encouraged to incorporate the contest into classroom studies and to submit student work for the contest.

Entry forms are available through the participating local Arts Councils: Caroline 410-479-1009, Cecil 410-392-5740, Kent 410-778-3831, Queen Anne’s 410-758-2520 and Talbot 410-745-0222.

The deadline for submission is March 1, 2008. Deliver to the Queen Anne’s County Arts Council by February 29 or send with postmark by March 1. An entry form is required for contest consideration.

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council, Inc., is a non-profit organization committed to
promoting, expanding and sustaining the arts. Visit us on the web at www.arts4u.info.
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