2003 TRAIL DAYS WRITING CONTEST

CELEBRATING WRITERS

AND THEIR TRAIL EXPERIENCES

Do you like to hike?  Do you like to write?  If you answered “yes” to both questions the Washington County Public Library would like to invite you to participate in the annual “Trail Days Writing Contest: Celebrating Writers and Their Trail Experiences.”

 Trail Days (May 10-18, 2003) is an annual festival in Damascus, Virginia, that draws thousands of hikers and bikers from across the country and around the world.   Music, food, hiking and biking vendors, games, activities for children, it’s a week-long extravaganza in the “Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail.”  The Washington County Public Library, in collaboration with its Damascus Branch, is proud to sponsor a writing contest that celebrates our natural and literary heritage. 

Because of the wonderful participation in last year’s contest, this year’s contest has expanded to include two categories: poetry and essay.  Entries must relate to hiking on the Appalachian Trail or in the Appalachian region.  There will be first place ($150), second place ($100), and third place ($50) winners in both categories.  Participants must be 18-years-old or older.  Winning entries will be read publicly during Trail Days and will be posted on the Washington County Public Library webpage.  Serious trekkers or casual traipsers, if you write essays or poetry, send us your best!  

Entries must be postmarked by April 17, 2003, or be sent by email submission no later than 5:00 pm on April 24, 2003.  Click for complete contest rules on the essay contest and the poetry contest. You may call  276-676-6246; or email: jcromer@wcpl.net; or write to Trail Days Writing Contest, Washington County Public Library, 205 Oak Hill Street, Abingdon, VA  24210 for more information also.