Date: April 26, 2025

Time:  1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Location:  Multipurpose Room, Laredo Public Library (1120 E. Calton Road)

Subject:
Dreams and Aspirations are the central theme for the 22nd Annual Poetry Festival.

Rules of Participation:

  • A poem in its entirety must be an original work by the person entering the contest; plagiarized poems will be disqualified.
  • Poems may be written in any standard format.
  • Text should be typed. Font size 12
  • Poems should be no longer than 2 pages, double-spaced.
  • Submit 2 copies of your poem, 1 with no name on it.
    Poetry submissions may be submitted online or in person at the Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library located at 1120 E. Calton Rd. 
  • Only one entry per person will be accepted; no co-authors of a poem will be accepted.
  • The poem will be accepted via the website and in person.
  • The application form needs to be filled out.
  • The parents or legal guardian will fill out the Release Form for students under 18.

Language:

  • English or Spanish.
  • Mix English and Spanish

Participants:

  • Students from LISD, UISD, private schools, and homeschooling.
  • Adults 18 and over.

Method:

  • Divide all contestants by age and grade level
  • The deadline for submitting poems is by 6:00 p.m. at the Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library located at 1120 E. Calton
  • 3-7 judges in each group will review all poems received & select the top 3 winners and 1-3 honorable mention recipients.
  • The top 3 winners in each group will read their poems and receive prizes and gift bags.
  • Honorable Mentions will receive gift bags and the option to read their poems.
  • All participants will receive certificates of participation.

 Results:

  • Publish the winners’ poems.
  • Continue the Poetry Festival every year as a local educational activity.

Sponsors:

  • Laredo College
  • Laredo Independent School District
  • Texas A & M International University
  • United Independent School District
  • Laredo Public Libraries

 

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING POEMS IS FEBURARY 7th

Click here to submit your poem