Poetry in the Plaza

Village of Great Neck Plaza 16th Annual Poetry Contest

The Village of Great Neck Plaza is once again hosting its Annual Poetry Contest. All New York poets are welcome to enter, as well as poets from New Jersey and Connecticut. This year's judge is Jared Hurrell.

How to Enter: Entries may be on any subject, in any style, must have a title, and must not exceed more than 30 lines per poem.

Please send two copies of each poem, typed on 8 1/2 x 11 papers, one poem per page, with name, address, and phone number at the bottom of one copy only.

A cover sheet listing the poet's name, address, phone number and email address, and title of each poem, must be included as well when submitting an entry.

Applicants may send up to three unpublished poems, along with a non-refundable entry fee of $15. The entry fee should be payable by check or money order to THE LONG ISLAND WRITERS' GUILD and be postmarked by March 2, 2026.

All Submissions must be mailed to:

Village Hall, 2 Gussack Plaza, P.O. Box 440, Great Neck, NY 11022-0440 with "Poetry Contest" indicated on the left front of envelope.

An Awards Reading Day program will take place on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 12:00 Noon. The program will be conducted on Zoom so that poets and poetry lovers from near and far can attend.

The festivites will include readings by our judge and the winners of the contest.

Awards for the 16th Great Neck Plaza Poetry Contest:

First prize: $150 and a 20-minute reading on Awards Reading Day

Second Prize: $75 and a 10-minute reading on Awards Reading Day.

Third Prize: $50 and a 5-minute reading on Awards Reading Day.

Two Honorable Mentions: Will be invited to read their poems on Awards Reading Day.

There will also be an open reading as time allows.

For additional information regarding the Village's 16th Annual Poetry Contest, please feel free to contact Village Hall, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., at (516) 482-4500 or at mayorsassistant@greatneckplaza.net.