Those looking to write poetry have more reasons than ever with a chance to win cash prizes through the Leacock Museum’s eighth annual K. Valerie Connor Memorial Poetry Celebration contest.
“The K. Valerie Connor Memorial Poetry Celebration contest presents the opportunity to win a cash prize and to read original works at a celebration event in our Sunshine City,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “I encourage everyone to put their pen to the page and try something new.”
Currently open across Ontario, the K. Valerie Connor Memorial Poetry Celebration contest includes three submission categories: Adult (over the age of 21), Intermediate (ages 14 to 21), and Elementary (up to and including age 13). Submissions are being accepted until May8, 2023, with the winners being announced on June 1, 2023. This year there is a total of more than $2,000 in prizes for aspiring poets and writers. The K. Valerie Connor Memorial Poetry Celebration contest is made possible due to the generous support of the Connor family.
Individuals can submit up to three original poems. Submission forms are available on the Leacock Museum website, leacockmuseum.com. There is an entry fee for adults over the age of 21 of $10.24 per submission or $25.53 for three submissions. Entrants aged 21 and below may submit for free.
“The K. Valerie Connor Memorial Poetry Celebration contest has become a signature staple at the Leacock Museum and we are honoured to host it once again in 2023,” said Jenny Martynyshyn, Museum Coordinator. “Now in its eighth year, the contest continues to encourage creativity across the province, especially in those who have never considered themselves to be writers.”
The City of Orillia and the Connor family welcome those who submit, their families, and all poetry lovers to the Leacock Museum on June 17, 2023 to celebrate the winners of each category and hear them read their works. For more information, visit leacockmuseum.comor contact Jenny Martynyshyn, Museum Coordinator, at jmartynyshyn@orillia.ca or 705-329-1908.