Dublin Lions Club Cowboy Poetry Contest

April 15, 2011  

Cowboy Culture Celebration Poetry Contest

Win $200 cash and a Cowboy Culture Celebration belt buckle!!

Two divisions – youth and adult!

Finalists will recite their poetry at the Chuckwagon Dinner on Friday, April 15, 2011!

Sponsored by Dublin Lions Club

Rules and Guidelines

1.  One entry per contestant.  Contestants must compose their own poems with no assistance from any outside source. 
2. Entries will be judged in two divisions:
   1. Youth Division – Contestants 14 years old and under as of April 1, 2011
   2. Adult Division – Contestants 15 years old and over as April 1, 2011
3. All contestants under the age of 18 will have signed parent consent to participate in contest.
4. Poems must be submitted in the proper format (see judging criteria). The poem, along with the requested information will serve as the entry form.  Entries may be typewritten, produced on a word processor, or handwritten legibly in pen or pencil.
5. Poets should keep a copy of their poem.  No entries will be returned.
6. All entries must be mailed to the address given below and postmarked no later than April 1, 2011 in order to be eligible for judging.  Three finalists in each division will be notified by April 10 regarding selection, prizes, and rules of competition. Finalists will be required to recite their poem by memory on Friday, April 15 at the Cowboy Culture Celebration Chuckwagon Dinner at the Wright Historical Park in downtown Dublin.

Judging Criteria

1.     Poems should reflect an understanding and creative use of cowboy language.  Poem topics should relate to western life such as ranching, animals, land, environment, home, family, events, pets, friends, and characters.

2.    Poems should reflect an understanding and appreciation of the western heritage.  They should be authentic and original.  Poets are encouraged to research their topic if necessary to obtain a thorough understanding of our western heritage.

3.    Poems should be well crafted, flow smoothly, and be easy to read and listen to.

4.    Poems should be entertaining and may be written from serious, inspirational, or humorous points of view.

5.    Poets should present the material in a convincing and enthusiastic manner.