Poetry on the Trail 2026: Community Poetry Contest
photo credit: Kathy Hahn
Poetry can take many forms. Some poems follow a rhyme scheme, while others break free of it. An epic poem may fill an entire book, while a haiku conveys its message in just seventeen syllables. No matter the structure, all poetry invites us to pause, reflect, and experience the world through someone else’s carefully chosen words.
We invite you to submit your original work for CPF’s Poetry Contest on the theme: “Harmony.”
Due date for submissions: June 20th
Who can enter?
We welcome poets of all ages and experience levels. Prizes will be awarded for winners in the following categories:
Grades 1-4
Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12
Adults
What Happens with My Poem?
All submissions will be published on our website, and selected poems will be displayed along the CPF Gorge Trail as part of the "Poetry on the Trail" exhibit. Signs will be installed in October as part of the CazArts Autumn Leaves Art Festival and will remain in place throughout the fall. Imagine your poem welcoming hikers and art lovers alike to slow down, read, and reflect along the trail!
Poetry Reading & Fall Foliage Hike
Winning poets will be invited to give a reading of their piece on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 3 p.m. at the Gorge Trail Gateway trail entrance on Albany Street. Afterward, you will have the option to join in a hike to admire the fall foliage and see your poem exhibited on the Gorge Trail.
Thank you to our sponsor!
Thank you to our event partners!
The Poetry on the Trail is presented by the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation, the Cazenovia Public Library, local poet Eric Evans, and Cazenovia High School English teacher Wendy Everard.