Richard Brautigan, Dick Whittaker, Lillian Ference, and Phoebe Newman Memorial Trout Fishing in America Poetry Slam and Barn Door Ballad Contest
Ketchikan artist Ray Troll and his very good friend Tom Fowler have been hosting this poetry experience for over 30 years.
Ray named this Blueberry Arts Festival event after Richard Brautigan's book "Trout Fishing in America" and as local poets and literature lovers pass away, their names have been added to the title. Dick Whittaker was the District Attorney who loved literature and in his office in the Star Building, he made space for young novelists and writers to work and write. Lillian Ference was the founder of Parnassus Books in Ketchikan also in the Star Building. A woman owned, local bookstore that is still going strong today. Phoebe Newman is the most recent addition to a list of Ketchikan greats. Phoebe's passing is still fresh in the minds of those that knew her. She was a poet and writer and her passing has left a ghost of poetry and smiles in the air.
The Poetry Slam is a very special event in Ketchikan as writers and poets don't seem to gather often here. It is always an uplifting event listening to poems from the hearts of our friends and neighbors. In 2024 poets have a chance to vie for fame and glory by creating and performing a Barn Door Ballad during the Poetry Slam.
There is a super secret panel of judges (or judge) that select three poets for prizes, and sometimes an Honorable Mention. Held at the New York Cafe at 3:30pm on Blueberry Sunday. Head in right after the Blueberry Boat Race so you get a seat! No need to pre-register, just put your name on the list when you get there!
This event is sponsored by the New York Cafe, Parnassus Books and Gifts, Chinook & Company, and the Star Gallery.
