PANAMA CITY — Calling All Poets!Do you have what it takes to participate in Bay County’s first poetry contest?
Lew Griffin of Panama City is a poetry contest that invites the network to come together for an evening of poetry readings through local and regional poets. Each poet will perform their reading, whether loose or pre-written, for at least 3 minutes and will be judged according to the content and presentation. A winner will be announced and will receive a cash prize and a trophy.
Do you need to laugh?: ‘Laughter is for everyone’: Comedy of Panama City offers a complete program of presentations in July
Sounds of Summer: Panama City Beach Series Returns and the Lineup Is Impressive
The inaugural occasion is open to the public and is scheduled for Sept. 2 beginning at 6 p. m. until 8 p. m. at Wild Root Coffee and Apothecary, 830 Florida Ave. Anyone can participate and is encouraged to register with Griffin at lgriffin60@yahoo. com or at 850-890-7216. Poets can also register at the door on the night of the occasion.
Griffin said the concept of a poetry event grew out of memories of the formative years of attending poetry contests in New York City.
“I grew up attending poetry events and enjoying them, so it occurred to me to host my own contest,” said Griffin, a New Jersey native. “With the poetic scene developing in Bay County, the idea of hosting a contest would create some other entertaining way for poets to combine for a good time. “
The occasion will stick to the “snaps over applause” format in which they can take photos of their favorite performances.
He hopes the occasion will grow with that of poets eager to share the content they create on any topic. Based on the good fortune of the first poetry contest, Griffin said he will hold more contests in the future.
“It will be a time when other people can combine and communicate about anything in their own way to engage the public,” he said. “I hope to have a full night of poetry readings so that the entertainment lasts all night. “”