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Dates & Times
April 25, 2026
11 a.m.
Location
Whippoorwill Academy and Village
11928 NC Hwy 268 W
Ferguson, NC 28624
Cost
Free
Contact
Margaret Martine
whippoorwillacademy@gmail.com
(336) 973-3237
View Event Website
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Winners of the James Larkin Pearson Poetry Competition will be celebrated on April 25. This competition is held for middle school, high school, early college and home schooled students from Wilkes and Caldwell Counties. Come enjoy listening to students as they share their poems. Awards will be presented. The judge is North Carolina's 7th Poet Laureate, Dr. Joseph Bathanti.
This unique event offers a rare blend of literary heritage, authentic community, and mountain charm – all in one meaningful experience.
The competition honors James Larkin Pearson, Wilkes County native and North Carolina’s Poet Laureate for nearly three decades. For many visitors, the connection to place matters. Attending this event allows everyone to experience poetry in the very community that shaped Pearson’s voice and helped define his legacy.
Beyond its history, the competition delivers live, inspiring readings from talented poets. This intimate cultural atmosphere is something not to be found at large festivals.
For arts lovers, it’s a chance to witness powerful storytelling in a welcoming, small-town setting, which itself is a cultural getaway in the scenic foothills of North Carolina.
In short, come for the poetry – and stay for the sense of community, history and inspiration that makes the experience truly memorable.
This unique event offers a rare blend of literary heritage, authentic community, and mountain charm – all in one meaningful experience.
The competition honors James Larkin Pearson, Wilkes County native and North Carolina’s Poet Laureate for nearly three decades. For many visitors, the connection to place matters. Attending this event allows everyone to experience poetry in the very community that shaped Pearson’s voice and helped define his legacy.
Beyond its history, the competition delivers live, inspiring readings from talented poets. This intimate cultural atmosphere is something not to be found at large festivals.
For arts lovers, it’s a chance to witness powerful storytelling in a welcoming, small-town setting, which itself is a cultural getaway in the scenic foothills of North Carolina.
In short, come for the poetry – and stay for the sense of community, history and inspiration that makes the experience truly memorable.
