Poetry Contest

New Milford’s Annual Poetry Contest is accepting submissions now through April 25th. The contest is open to New Milford residents in the following four categories:

• Youth 8 – 12
• Young Adult 13 – 18
• Adult 19 – 55
• Senior 56 and up

A blind read of poems to select winners will be conducted by New Milford’s Poet Laureate Deborah Rose, Canterbury School English Department Chair Madelaine Lord, and New Milford Public Library Services Librarian Amy Berkun.

The contest will feature a reading of the winning poems on May 17th at the New Milford Public Library and will award cash prizes, which are funded by the Arts Commission. The winning poems will also be on display at the Library from May 11th – June 11th.

Read the guidelines for submitting your poem here.

Deborah Rose worked with the Arts Commission and the New Milford Library in 2023 to revive the contest from years past. “We have had a great reception the last two years, and we look forward to more submissions this year,” Rose said.

For more information, go to the New Milford Now Poetry Contest page.

2024 winners

Youth: Claire Benson – First, Stella Pozzula – Second.
Young Adult: Andreau Guiseppi – First, Kyra Chandler – Second.
Adult: Melissa Hanrahan – First, Greta Boesel – Second,
Senior: Mary Vallo – First, Second.

2023 winners

Youth: Lucy Abin – First, Kennerly Doenges – Second
Young Adult: Julianna Fontanilla – First, Kyra Chandler – Second
Adult: Melissa Hanrahan – First, Martha Readyoff – Second
Senior: Mary Vallo – First, Susie Hackel – Second