The North Carolina Poetry Society invites the public to attend the Sam Ragan Poetry Festival on Saturday, June 16, at Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities at 555 E. Connecticut Ave. in Southern Pines.
This free, daylong celebration offers music and poetry and opportunities for wandering the grounds and mingling.
Attendees may bring a bag lunch or order a box lunch from 195 Eclectic Cuisine during registration at 9:15 a.m.
Featured poets and performers include Charlotte’s John Amen, founder/editor of The Pedestal magazine, performing with members of his band and reading poems traditionally and to the accompaniment of music; Cary’s award-winning poet, guitarist and serious choral musician David Treadway Manning; Elkin’s triple threat poet/musician/family doctor Bill Blackley; and the very talented, much sought-after author/guitarist/singer/performer Donald Thompson.
Former N.C. Poet Laureate Ragan will be honored with anecdotes shared by those who knew him, readings of several of his poems and the wearing of his trademarks: a straw hat and bow tie.Attendees are encouraged to participate in open mic readings throughout the event, which will conclude at approximately 3 p.m.
NCPS members are invited to contact Sara Claytor, first vice president, programs, at sclaytor@nc.rr.com about promoting their published books during the event. More information about the NCPS is available at www.NCPoetrySociety.org.