Clatskanie’s Raymond Carver Writing Festival Begins with April Poetry Contest

The revived Raymond Carver Writing Festival (RCWF) is back for its second year with an emphasis on poetry.

Located in Clatskanie, Oregon where the world-famous poet and short story writer Raymond Carver (1938-1988) was born, the two-day festival, May 19-20, will be preceded by a poetry contest in April, “Poetry Month,” with the theme from Carver’s poem “Happiness”: Happiness. It comes on unexpectedly. And goes beyond, really, any early morning talk about it.

The contest will kickoff with Poetry and Pie (Carver’s favorite dessert) from 5 to 7pm on Tuesday, April 4, at the Clatskanie Library, 11 Lillich Street.

Poetry from youth living within the Clatskanie School District boundaries and adults from throughout the Lower Columbia region will be judged in the following categories: Youth (ages 8-10, 11-12, 13-15, 16-18); Adults: Published and Non-Published, and Haiku: Open to both youth and adults. Entries are limited to two poems per poet. Cash prizes will be awarded.

More information will be available at www.rayondcarverwritingfestival.org or www.clatskanielibrary.org prior to April 1st, start of the poetry contest. Participation in both the poetry contest and the May 19-20 festival events is free.