The public is invited to attend the upcoming Northwoods Art & Book Festival, taking place on Saturday, August 12, 2023, in Hackensack. The 2nd annual Poetry Safari is a part of this event — this year's theme is "Celebrating animals and the environments where they live and thrive."

Poems that resonate with elementary and middle school-aged children are especially encouraged. Feel free to submit up to two poems, keeping in mind that they should be easily reproduced on 8.5" x 11" paper.

Here's how it works: Eleven creatively decorated Poetry Safari stands will be hidden throughout the festival. Participants, both young and old, will check in at Safari Headquarters to receive a pencil, Poetry Safari button, and poem tracker. Armed with these tools, they'll embark on a quest to find the hidden poems and experience the joy of poetry firsthand.Submit your poetic masterpieces to kokoropoets@gmail.com by July 1, 2023. All submissions will be reviewed. Eleven poems will be selected that capture the spirit of the Poetry Safari. Chosen poets will be notified by July 21, 2023.For further information or any queries about the Poetry Safari, contact the Poetry Safari Headquarters at (218) 270-5648 or email kokoropoets@gmail.com.