Local Poets Published in 2019 Anthology
Iowa Poetry Association’s (IPA) 74th Annual “Lyrical Iowa” competition concluded earlier this year, and several Mahaska County residents’ poems were selected for publication. According to Pam Blomgren, IPA’s representative for Mahaska County, the 2019 anthology contains 381 poems chosen from 1,845 entries that represent 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties. Persons ranging in age from Kindergarteners to near-centenarians sent in poems.
“Oskaloosa was well represented this year,” said Blomgren referring to the 2019 Lyrical Iowa book. Poems selected for publication were written and submitted by Iola Powell Cadwallader, Fred De Jong, Rob Hoskinson, Blomgren, and DeShawn Stepter, an Oskaloosa High School 11th grader.
IPA has over 350 members across the state, but membership is not a requirement for having poetry included in the anthology. Besides those awarded cash prizes for top ranking poems in several categories and age levels, many other poems are being showcased in this perfect-bound 178 page book with a full color cover.
Blomgren said copies of the 2019 Lyrical Iowa books are available for purchase through IPA’s web site, however quantities are limited. The books sell for $10 each.
IPA will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary in October 2020 with events planned for the weekend of October 17-18, 2020. A special category for the 2020 Lyrical Iowa will be added in the adult contests with an anniversary theme and cash award. Complete details and submission rules are now available on the website, www.iowapoetry.com. The contest is open to all persons with an Iowa address and IPA membership is not required. There is no entry fee. Entries may be sent January 1 through February 28, 2020. Please consult the web site for contest rules.
IPA is a not-for-profit organization whose stated purpose is “to promote interest in and appreciation of Poetry among Iowans” and to encourage and improve the art of self-expression through verse of varied styles.
