Fourth Annual Northeast PA Poetry and Writer’s Festival

Stage set for 4th annual poetry and writer’s festival at Stonehedge Gardens, Tamaqua, PA

Contact: Debi Dodson, dixieann50@aol.com


Stonehedge Gardens will offer an ideal backdrop for the Fourth Annual Northeast PA Poetry and Writer’s Festival on Saturday, July 18 from 10 am to 4 pm. The festival will feature writing workshops, networking opportunities, open readings, the chance to meet publishers, and a marketplace to display, sell and sign published work.

This festival is open to any interested or aspiring writer at any skill or experience level and a $10 donation will cover breakfast and all workshops. For more information or to register in advance, call 570-386-4618 or email stonehedgeinfo@hotmail.com.

The event will offer a chance for local writers to share creative ideas, techniques and tools, and original work in the natural setting of the Stonehedge six-acre gardens, and will begin with continental breakfast mixer hosted by Black Diamond Writer’s Network where participants will choose his or her morning and afternoon workshop choice.

Workshop presenters will include Sara Hodon and Jodi Webb of the Black Diamond Writer’s Network, and professional writer and workshop facilitator Holly Landau and Deborah Filanowski, published poet and presenter. Two open mic sessions will allow participants to read poems, flash fiction or flash non-fiction, and those who opt to stay after 4 may join an informal critique group. At noon, the Stonehedge Café will sell lunch items and the Market Place will offer an area for writers to display, sell and sign their work, and meet with publishers.

All participants will enjoy poetry by special guest Jeff Rath, the acclaimed Lancaster-based poet and author of The Waiting Room at the End of the World and his most recent In the Shooting Gallery of the Heart, both published collections of poetry. Rath is the 2007 R.E. Foundation award winner for Outstanding Poetry and a Pushcart Prize nominee.

Stonehedge is a six-acre, free public garden, gallery and gift shop used for art exhibits and education, as well as a variety of community events focused on nature, art and wellness. Visitors are invited to discover the garden at any time between noon and dusk.

Operated as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Stonehedge Gardens is member-supported and operated almost completely through volunteer20support. Its mission is to provide an environment for personal and community transformation and wellness through its gardens and the arts. For pricing on private tours, to join as a member, or become a volunteer, visit http://stonehedge.org or call 570-386-4618.