Newaygo County Poetry Contest

Fremont Area Community Foundation, in partnership with Fremont Area District Library and NCCA-Artsplace, is hosting the Newaygo County Poetry Contest. We invite you to compose and share an original poem! This is the dream and vision of the late reknown artist Jim Magee.

Who may enter?

The contest is open to people ages 11 and up who live in Newaygo County. There is a limit of one entry per person. Entries may be mailed, brought to the library, or submitted via email no later than 5pm Friday, May 8, 2026. Printed copies of the entry form are available to pick up at the library’s front desk.

What types of poetry may be submitted?

Poems do not need to follow a particular format. Submissions should be limited to one page, and poems may be selected to be read live at the Newaygo County Poetry Event on Wednesday, May 28 at 6:30 pm in the Community Room of the Fremont Area District Library. Please make sure that you are available to read your original poem in person at the event if selected.

Judging criteria:

Entries will be evaluated on the following criteria by a panel of poets, creative writers, educators, and philanthropists. Entries are not evaluated by library staff.

1. Original thought and perspective
2. Word choice that powerfully conveys imagery and effectively conveys the subject
3. Rhythm, pattern, rhyme, metaphor, and/or analogy as relevant to the type of poem

Winners:

Awards will be announced at the Newaygo County Poetry Event on Wednesday, May 28 from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Fremont Area District Library, 104 E Main St., Fremont. All winners will receive a cash prize: $250 for the winner of the 11-17 age group. $100 for the two runners up of the 11-17 age group. $500 for the winner of the 18 and over age group. $250 for the two runners up of the 18 and over age group.

How to enter:

• Complete this two page entry form electronically or by hand. Return both pages by mail, email, or bring in to the library by 5pm on Friday, May 8.
• Do not put any identifying information on the page with your poem.
• All entries become property of Fremont Area District Library and will not be returned.

Deliver, mail, or email to:

Newaygo County Poetry Contest
Attn: Jackilyn Roseberry
Fremont Area District Library
104 East Main Street Fremont, MI 49412
Email: