Theme
Poem theme must be related in some way to natural, cultural, or historical resources of Kentucky State Parks. Examples might be something specific like:
- pioneer life at Old Fort Harrod State Park
- geological formations at Natural Bridge State Resort Park
- past or present-day battlefield at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
OR
- general or in-depth observations of flora or fauna at any park, or feelings for Kentucky State Parks as a whole. Visit some parks for inspiration and let your mind wander!
No guidelines for style or form in this contest, just maximum limit of lines, as seen in the age categories.
Prizes
- $50 KY State Park gift card + certificate of award for 1st place winners in each category
- $25 KY State Park gift card + certificate of award for 2nd place winners in each category
- 2009 book, The Complete Guide to Kentucky State Parks +certificate of award for 3rd place winners in each category
- All winners and honorable mention choices, ages 18 & under, will receive a coupon for one free admission to a park fort, museum, or historic site of their choice
- All winners and honorable mention submittals will be posted on website as well as potentially displayed as part of traveling exhibit in select state parks throughout 2010.
- IF large enough response, and IF funds available, selected entries may be included in a booklet printed in 2010 and sold in KY State Park gift shops (minimal fee to re-coup printing costs).
Rules
All poems must…
- be original work of the entrant, and not previously published or winner of a cash prize.
- be submitted via snail mail as a typed or computer-generated paper copy and supplied along with entry form (entries will not be returned).
- include a title at top of poem (not included in line count).
Poem Submittal:
Two clean copies (no additional graphics or images) of poem will be required along with official entry form, downloaded from our website. Entry form includes your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, age category, title of poem, and signature to authorize KY State Park to print/display/publish your work if selected.
1) Both copies of poem will include the age category in upper left-hand corner.
2) One copy will also include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address in upper right-hand corner.
3) Only one entry per person.
4) If you would like to supply a high-resolution electronic photo on CD, taken on a trip to the state park that inspired the writing (in no way required or affects judging), it would be welcome and included with your poem should it be chosen to be displayed.
5) Entries must be received by November 2, 2009. Winners will be announced by end of December, 2009. Poem and photos become property of KY State parks once submitted, and may be displayed on-line, as part of traveling KY State Park display, or possibly even as part of a published booklet of poems sold (to cover print cost) in KY State Park gift shops at a later date.
Judging
While it is impossible to exactly define what makes a good poem, it is possible to show the qualities most often found in such poems. Some qualities judges consider may be imagery, rhythm, rhyme, line breaks, originality of expression, and, of course, adherence to theme.
Note: We respect the right of individuals to freely express themselves, but we will not accept offensive poems.