Poets from all over the state will present workshops and readings at the 2022 Little River Poetry Festival! The event begins Friday, June 3, at 1:00 pm, and will run through Sunday, June 5 at 3:00 pm. The event will take place inside the big tent in the meadow at Daniel Sowers’ ‘On the Water Outfitters’, 2053 Thunderstruck Road in Floyd. The Sowers family will host a poetic invasion and their farm will reverberate with music and laughter for this unique, inclusive experience. Visitors are encouraged to bring original poetry to share at any of the six Open Mic sessions, as well as notebooks to capture new ideas. Musical instruments welcome!

This year, Appalachian poets and much-loved teachers, Sharon Shaver Wood and Beth Simpson Huddleston, team up for an original performance of poetry and storytelling that will leave you laughing and marveling at their originality.

If they seem like sisters, it’s because they’ve known each other since birth! Born a day apart in Roanoke, their mothers were hospital roommates. As preschoolers, they attended the same Sunday School at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren. They also entered first grade together at Check Elementary, in Mrs. Garnet Reed’s classroom. Continuing together through high school, they recited poetry, created monologue book reports, and developed dramatic scenes from favorite books. Both girls graduated from Radford University to become English teachers.

Beth’s formative years were spent in Floyd County. Surrounded by a large extended family, she learned much about the history of the area. Her book of poetry, “Run, Meadow Run”, reflects her experiences growing up in Floyd. An educator for almost forty years, she completed her Master of Science in Education degree at Shenandoah University and has taught in a number of mountain school systems. Her passion for writing extends to supporting those children and adults who are expanding their writing skills. Like a good friend, Beth played the piano for Sharon’s wedding, and they still get together with a group of childhood friends known as the “Check Chicks.”

Sharon is also deeply rooted in in the history of the area. Her stories can be heard and read by searching “The Family Recollections of Mrs. Sharon Wood of Copper Hill, Floyd County.” The text and audio are available through the Appalachian Regional and Rural Studies Center at Radford University. Within the audio recordings, Sharon is interviewed about life as a German Baptist, living in Appalachia. The interview is among many projects created by English students, ‘Appalachian Folklore’, 1981-2019.

Also featured at this year’s event will be Poetry Society of Virginia noted poets, Eric Forsberg of Leesburg and Zeina Azzam of Alexandria, both reading from their books. Additionally, Nathan Richardson, Suffolk poet, and Frederick Douglass, re-enactor, will join Yorktown poets, Jill Winkowski and Brian Magill.

Festival mainstays, Don MacKellar (New Mexico), as well as the Mom-and-daughter poet-duo, Jamie Williams and Cas Horne (York, Pennsylvania), will also join poets Serena Fusek (Newport News), Edith Blake (Portsmouth), Star LaBranche (Chesapeake), Lisa Cooper (Norfolk), Alex Hudson (Suffolk), and edgy poet, Lisa Kendrick (Norfolk).

This year’s Poetry Ensemble, ‘If I Could Dream the Future’, will be a dramatic recitation featuring Thayer Cory (Williamsburg), Eric Forsberg (Leesburg), Karen Kendall (Norfolk), and Little River Poetry Festival founders, Jack Callan and Judith Stevens (Norfolk). Musical accompaniment will be provided by Jim Best of Meadows of Dan.

And finally, seasoned Floyd poets, Katherine Chantal and Colleen Redman, will be joined by Chelsea Adams of Riner on Sunday for the traditional ‘Free Floyd Day’. This event will open to all local residents as a ‘thank you’ from Little River Poetry Festival founders, Jack Callan and Judith Stevens to their adopted city of Floyd.

There will be something for everyone at this Festival! Gentle yoga, poetry readings, workshops, and excursions that include a nature walk and a kayak ride down the Little River. Visitors may also use the ‘Lawnchair Clause’ to just relax and take a nap in the meadow! Come casual. The festival folks are a relaxed bunch!

Homecooked healthy meals will be provided on-site by donation. Primitive camping will be available, but visitors may also choose to stay at any of the superb accommodations Floyd has to offer.

Cost is $45 for the entire weekend, or $15 per day. Drop-ins are welcome. Add $35 for a kayak trip down the Little River. All ages and abilities welcome.

If you are a writer, want to learn more about writing from published authors, or simply enjoy listening to poems and storytelling, this Festival is for you!

Little River Poetry Fest • www.LittleRiverPoetryFest.com
www.facebook.com/LittleRiverPoetryFest
Jack Callan and Judith Stevens • 757-622-8721