Poetry in the Park Brings Words and Community Together

On August 22, writers, poets and community members gathered around the Poet Tree in Fish Creek Provincial Park for Poetry in the Park, the first event hosted by Josephine LoRe in her role as Poet Laureate for the Bow Valley Ranche Historical Society.

The afternoon began with introductions and a welcome from BVRHS President Larry Wasyliw, who shared some background on the Society and introduced former BVRHS Poet Laureate Mary Vlooswyk for a reading.

Josephine spoke about her new role, the sacredness of the land and the Indigenous peoples who first brought culture, language and poetry to the area before sharing some of her own work.

Five featured poets then took to the microphone: Weyman Chan, Patti Lott, Tim Murphy, Angela Waldie and Nash Lott, each sharing selections of their poetry.

But Poetry in the Park wasn't just about listening. Participants were invited to head out into Fish Creek Park, find a little inspiration and put their own words on paper. When everyone gathered again later in the afternoon, many returned to the microphone to share what they had written.

For some, it was their first time writing poetry. For others, it was their first time sharing their writing publicly.

The event also welcomed the Honourable Lois Mitchell, who joined the gathering and shared her support for the literary arts and community.

The creativity sparked that afternoon may continue well beyond the event itself. Several participants have since submitted their poems, with hopes of developing a legacy anthology centred on Fish Creek Park in collaboration with the Calgary representative of the Writers' Guild of Alberta.

Poetry in the Park Returns October 24 Following the success of the first gathering, Poetry in the Park Volume II will take place Saturday, October 24, with the theme: The Changing of the Seasons, and Learning to Let Go

The next event is expected to feature four new poets and another opportunity to experience poetry, creativity and community in the natural setting of Fish Creek Provincial Park.

Watch for more details as October approaches.