Aspiring poet or seasoned writer? Upcoming Bellingham poetry contest to offer cash prices

Bellingham poets will have a chance to showcase their work at the 19th edition of the Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest, and this year, the stakes are higher.

In previous years, the contest awarded ten poems the “Walk Award,” meaning they’re displayed year-round at the Sue C. Boynton Poetry Walk outside the Bellingham Public Library, and another ten received a “Merit Award.” But this year, the competition is adding a pair of $100 prizes as well — one for the best student poem and one for the best adult poem.

The competition is open to all Whatcom County residents as long as they have an original, unpublished poem of a maximum of 27 lines. The competition was named for early Bellingham resident and poet Sue C. Boynton and is open until March 31.

Submissions can be sent to Poetry Contest, PO Box 621, Bellingham, WA 98227, dropped off at Allied Arts on Cornwall Avenue, or emailed to BoyntonPoetryContest@hotmail.com.

Winning poets will be honored at an award ceremony on May 23 at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. Previous winners can be found on the organization’s blog.