Time draws near for Lanier Library’s annual appreciation of poetry, the Lanier Library Poetry Festival, with a day and a half of events for poets, lovers of the written and spoken word, and families alike. The event will begin on the evening of Friday, April 24, and continue all day on Saturday, April 25, at various locations.

“Viva la Verse: A Magical Celebration of Poetry” will kick off events for the public Friday at 7 p.m., with juggling and hula hoops fun beginning at 6:15 p.m. This event will be held at the Tryon Fine Arts Center amphitheater.

Saturday will be filled with workshops, readings, book signings, a luncheon and the awards ceremony for the Seventh Annual Sidney Lanier Poetry Competition. A poetry festival registration desk will be set up at the library on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Those wishing to register for Saturday workshops with spaces remaining will be able to do so at that time. However, the best way to ensure getting the workshop of one’s choice will be to register as soon as possible before Saturday. Morning and afternoon readings and book signings are free.

Saturday’s luncheon with keynote poet Richard Blanco will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Tryon. The event will be catered by Lavender Bistro. Some seats are still available, but those who wish to attend are encouraged to register as early as possible.

The final event of the festival will be the awards ceremony and reception for the Sidney Lanier Poetry Competition at 5:15 p.m., with this year’s judge, Keith Flynn, presenting awards and giving a brief talk about poetry. Those attending will be invited to enjoy birthday cake in celebration of Lanier Library’s 125^th anniversary, and guest poets will sign books. This event is free and open to the public.

For a complete schedule of events or to register for workshops or the luncheon, visit the library at 72 Chestnut St. in Tryon, or the website, www.lanierlibrarypoetryfestival.org. Registrants may also call the library at 828-859-9535.

Lanier Library is a nonprofit association with a long-standing tradition of bringing cultural events to Tryon and is one of a few membership libraries left in the United States. New members are always welcome.

– Submitted by Gina Malone