Pell City will host the Alabama State Poetry Society (ASPS) fall meeting Friday and Saturday. This is the first time an ASPS meeting has taken place in Pell City, and poets will be coming from all parts of Alabama for food, fellowship, workshops and lots of poetry.

Friday activities will begin with a “Meet & Greet” on the Coosa Queen Paddle Boat from 3-5 p.m., and lunch will be served. Although registration for this event is now closed, don’t despair. You can still join ASPS for their “Round Robin” at the former Artistic Creations Building at 2111 Cogswell Avenue, Pell City, from 6– 8:30 p.m. Friday. There is no charge for this “Round Robin,” so come join the fun, meet some award-winning poets and authors, and enjoy the free refreshments. If needed, additional parking will be across the street.

Saturday will begin with a “Breakfast Social,” at 9 a.m. at the Pell City Library. Two workshops will follow, one led by Adam Vines, and the other led by Alabama’s Poet Laureate, Jennifer Horne. Location and costs for the Fall Meeting are as follows:

The fall meeting, which includes breakfast and two workshops, will be at the new Pell City Library location and will start with breakfast at 9 a.m. The cost for the meeting, including breakfast, is $20 (for paid members only). For non-members, the cost is $35. Attendees can join or renew their memberships at registration and pay the reduced price for the meeting.

The delicious lunch will be catered by Wade Reich, whose famous rubbed wings were featured in Southern Living. The cost for lunch will be $15. Immediately after lunch, the winners of the ASPS Fall Contest will be announced, and winners will be invited to read their winning poems.

Many of the refreshments will be provided by Pell City’s own Writers Anonymous, many of whom also belong to ASPS. WA poets are among the best poets anywhere and have brought home more than 100 awards in just a little more than a year. No wonder former president of ASPS Joe Whitten has said, “Pell City is becoming the epicenter for poetry in Alabama.” With a reputation like that, what better place for ASPS to meet than in our own Pell City?

We hope you’ll join us for what’s going to be a tremendous day. Besides our Alabama Poet Laureate, Jennifer Horne, other prominent poets will be there, perhaps including former Alabama Poets Laureate, past presidents of ASPS, 2017 ASPS Poet of the Year, Rita Moritz, and former ASPS Poets of the Year. Poets and authors will have their books for sale during and after the event. If you have questions, please contact Myra Barra at 205-223-5106.