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Calling all writers, poets, and poetry lovers
You’re invited to “Write on the River” in Fort Atkinson from May 11-13!
In honor of poet Lorine Niedecker’s 120th birthday, you’re invited to celebrate in Fort Atkinson this May.
The Hoard Historical Museum, Dwight Foster Public Library, Friends of Lorine Niedecker, Café Carpe, Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce’s tourism department, and others have all worked together to create this multi-day event.
The Write on the River portion of the event spans May 11-13. This is a self-guided event. Settle in on lawn chairs or blankets on the banks of the Rock River in Fort Atkinson, and WRITE! It’s your chance to focus on the poetry, novel, or memoir you’ve been dreaming of writing. Get “caught writing” and you may receive a Write on the River decal, magnet, t-shirt, or other prize!
Throughout this event, folks are encouraged to take selfies using Niedecker’s poetry murals as backdrops. Tag them using the #fortpoetry and #fortselfie.
Lorine Niedecker poetry mural, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
There are also opportunities for writers to network with and meet other writers. On May 10 and 11, from 7:00-8:00 pm, County Inn and Suites (1650 Doris Dr, Fort Atkinson) will have a staffed bar and be ready to host visiting and local writers and poetry enthusiasts.
On Saturday, May 13, street poet Paul Wiegel will be at the Fort Farmers Market with his typewriter ready, creating poetry based on market goers’ requests. Donations accepted as payment. Also happening at the farmer’s market: authors will be selling their books and kids will be creating sidewalk chalk poems.
Related Events Taking Place Around Town on May 13:
Happening at the Hoard Historical Museum:
9:30 am: Pedaling and Poems guided bicycle tour with Museum Director Merrilee Lee, taking riders past places that were relevant to poet Lorine Niedecker:
2:00 pm: Poetry reading and talk by Lauren Carlson, recipient of the Friends of Lorine Niedecker Fellowship.
Information about Lauren Carlson’s talk/reading: Lauren will be speaking about her experience as the first FOLN Fellow, her influence by Lorine Niedecker and her relationship to her own poetry. This presentation will be for those interested in poetry, their own or others, Lorine Niedecker and what it means to be a poet. (2:00 at the museum) Free.
Additional activities happening at the Hoard Museum on May 13 between 10:00-4:00:
~A “Women Authors from Fort Atkinson” exhibit
~Our own poetry wall (think magnetic poetry but not on a fridge)
~Museum-wide Lorine scavenger hunt
~Poetry from our 4th graders on display. We have a cooperative unit with the School District in which students write poetry in Lorine’s style while learning about her life. That poetry will be on display through the summer.
~If the weather cooperates, we will also have chalk poetry on our sidewalks.
Related events happening at the Dwight Foster Public Library on Saturday, May 13:
Visit the Dwight Foster Public Library at 11:00 to hear poetry and thoughts on the creative process from current Wisconsin Poet Laureate and Fort Atkinson resident, Nicholas Gulig. Free. No registration necessary; drop in.
Related events happening at Café Carpe on Saturday, May 13:
In the evening, visit Cafe Carpe from 6:00 to 7:00 pm for a free poetry reading. Folks who participated in Write on the River are encouraged to share their writing or any poem they enjoy at this event. No pressure, of course! All are welcome to just stop in and enjoy the show if they aren’t interested in taking part.
There will be a sign-up sheet at the Carpe at 5:00 pm before the reading.
The Carpe will be open for dinner. If possible, please call 920-563-9391 for reservations.
The second event takes places from 8:00 to 9:00 pm: Michael Hecht will read excerpts from literature, and Bill Camplin will perform a song between each excerpt.
Readings will be from Let Us Now Praise Famous Men by James Agee , as well as The Great Gatsby, Winnie the Pooh, and poetry by Whitman and 2-3 other poets.
Learn more or purchase tickets ($12)
Click here for more details about related events happening in Fort Atkinson from May 11-13.
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