It’s National Poetry Month and what better way to celebrate than with live rhymes and a celebration of authors! Here are two events this April: the 2nd Annual All Terrain Poetry Open Mic in Marlinton on Saturday, April 18th; and the Lions and Authors and Books… Oh My! in Alderson on Saturday, April 25th. Both events are free and open to the public.

Last year’s All Terrain Poetry Open Mic was held at the Pocahontas County Opera House (see page 15) and it drew a wide variety of poets and spectators. “Featured poets included several well-known West Virginians as well as many remarkable new voices from the Greenbrier Valley and beyond.” – Neal Krakover. This years’ event is held at the Dirtbean Café & Bike Shop at 5:30pm and anyone of any age is invited to read out loud. The Dirtbean is located at 812 Third Avenue. For more info, contact Neal Krakover at krakbake@yahoo.com or 304-653-4514.

Lions and Authors and Books… Oh My! is an author extravaganza that will feature talented local writers and fun things to do. This event starts at 10am and runs all day with several events including a scavenger hunt, door prizes, an interactive learning area for children, food, presentations, and live music. This event is held at the Alderson Community Center for the Arts and Humanities, Inc.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted on the lawn with exciting things to do. There will be Pioneer Games, On-the-Spot Poetry, and an Add-a-Line Story. If weather is uncooperative, all activities will be held inside so you don’t miss out on all the fun. The main attraction is held through the front doors in the gym. Inside, you will receive a scavenger hunt map and plenty of friendly faces who can help answer questions. Authors will be seated at round tables throughout the gym ready to introduce you to their books, talk about writing, and sign off on your scavenger hunt items. Cub’s Corner will be set up to entertain the younger visitors. This is a children’s area complete with plenty of books and an interactive learning table. There will be a Story Time and there is a good chance French the Lion will make an appearance!

Throughout the day, readings and presentations will take place in the library’s Cozy Corner. This area offers just the right atmosphere for you to relax, get comfortable, and sink into new and beautiful written landscapes. Enjoy coffee and participate in question/answer sessions if you like.

Stop in the Home Ec. Room for a meal that is sure to please. All proceeds go toward the library’s upkeep and operation. If you’re looking for new recipes, pick up any of the cookbooks that support a variety of local organizations.

Door prizes will be announced throughout the day with a grand prize announcement just prior to the evening entertainment. Prizes include offerings from local businesses and organizations along with special selections from the authors present. Winners must be present when their name is called to claim their prize, but with all of the wonderful activities, it won’t be hard to stay.

At 6:30pm, Norman Jordan, recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream Award, will begin our entertainment with a short introduction to his internationally loved poetry. Then the very talented Kirk Judd will perform his poetry to the musical accompaniment of Bob Shank. This captivating duo can be heard on Mr. Judd’s CD My People was Music. With homegrown Appalachian roots, their down-to-earth magic is sure to make a poetry lover out of anyone.

Join The Alderson Community Center for this wonderful event where you may meet your new favorite book and the author who penned it, all while getting to know the town of Alderson a little better. The center is located at 400 E Chestnut Ave. For more info, contact Brittney Cassity at revisedelf@yahoo.com.

– LBSPY, April 2015