November 17, 1999
120 people gather for Poet's Night out
Entries judged by panel, Opera House audience
By Justin Trapp
Herald staff writer
Poets have long been held as the tellers of stories, the miscreants of words, and the creators of many realities.
Friday night was no exception.
About 120 people gathered for the third annual "Poets' Night Out," held at the Traverse City Opera House. More than 70 entries were submitted to be judged by both a panel and the audience, and 25 entries were included in a chapbook of verse. Chapbooks are still for sale at the front desk in the Traverse Area District Library.
"Poets' Night Out" was sponsored by the Friends of the Traverse Area District Library, Horizon Books, Clark, Walter, Sirrine Architects, Borders Books, and the Traverse Area District Library.
Started by Sandy Robey and Jody Clark, the event has grown exponentially in community response since its first year.
"We want to recognize the local poets in our community," said Robey.
This year, the Horizon Books Prize, a $50 dollar gift certificate to Horizon Books, was given to Joanna Pepe, whose poem was judged by a panel. The Audience Grand Prize was given to Fran Perkett, and was judged by Friday night's audience.
November 10 has already been reserved for next year's "Poet's Night Out," said Robey, who firmly believes in the need to expose local writers and their work.
Applications for submitting will be available next fall.