Poetry on the Trail Contest
The 2025 Poetry on the Trail contest is sponsored by Suzanne Follan Cook.
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Us
Poetry can take many forms. Some poems follow a rhyme scheme, while others break free of it. An epic poem may fill an entire book, while a haiku conveys its message in just seventeen syllables. No matter the structure, all poetry invites us to pause, reflect, and experience the world through someone else’s carefully chosen words.
This April, in honor of National Poetry Month, we invite you to submit your original work for CPF’s Poetry Contest on the theme: “Neighbors.”
Due date for submissions: June 20th
Who can enter?
We welcome poets of all ages and experience levels. Prizes will be awarded for winners in the following categories:
Grades 1-4
Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12
Adults
What Happens with My Poem?
All submissions will be published on our website, and selected poems will be displayed along the CPF Gorge Trail as part of the "Poetry on the Trail" exhibit. Signs will be installed in September as part of the CazArts September Autumn Leaves Art Festival and will remain in place throughout the fall. Selected poets will be invited to join us for a hike to install their poetry signs and give a reading of their piece.
Imagine your poem welcoming hikers and art lovers alike to slow down, read, and reflect along the trail!
The Poetry on the Trail contest is presented by the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation, the Cazenovia Public Library, local poet Eric Evans, and Cazenovia High School English teacher Wendy Everard.