To honor Nebraska author Bess Streeter Aldrich and recognize outstanding writing, the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation announces the continuation of its Poetry Contest (second year) and its Short Story Contest, which is celebrating its 23rd year.
Poetry contest participants (grade 3 to adult) are encouraged to generate a poem written in the wholesome spirit of Bess Streeter Aldrich while utilizing a theme honoring Nebraska, small town living, family relationships, and/or children and their antics. Participants are limited to one entry. Poems can be up to 26 lines, and they DO NOT have to rhyme. The form and style can be any the poet chooses to best express the theme, such as acrostic, sonnet, sestina, etc. Poetic devices such as figurative language and imagery should be used. For more details, see the scoring rubric located at www.bessstreeteraldrich.org.
Short story authors are encouraged to generate a fictional short story that is written in the wholesome spirit displayed by Bess Streeter Aldrich in her works while incorporating a theme that focuses on Nebraska’s economy, history, cultural diversity, and/or geography (past, present, and/or future). Story length should be 1,000-2,000 words (there is no minimum word requirement for the Intermediate category). A list of books by the author which entrants can read to become familiar with Mrs. Aldrich’s work is also available on the Foundation’s website. Exceptional examples include Mrs. Aldrich’s best-selling novel A Lantern in Her Hand, The Rim of the Prairie (the featured book celebrating its 100th birthday in 2025), or a collection of short stories. No essays, please.
Prizes for both contests will be awarded at an annual event, which will be held on Sunday, June 8. Adults are provided cash prizes of 1st place, $100; 2nd place, $50; 3rd place, $25. High School (grades 9-12), Middle School (grades 6-8), and Intermediate School (grades 3-5) awards include 1st place, $50; 2nd place, $25; and 3rd place, $15. Prize money has been partially provided by the Syracuse Library Foundation.
Any individual who submits a short story or poem may participate in a free tour during 2025. The. Aldrich House guides will be able to confirm participation upon arrival at the Aldrich House. Family members of the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation board are not eligible.
The due date for both submissions is April 15, 2025. A submission link and a complete list of rules can be found at bessstreeteraldrich.org. Questions about the contests or an alternative paper submission can be directed to Kurk Shrader, Executive Director (email aldrichfoundation@gmail.com or call 402-994-3855). Publicity for this event is funded in part by Cass County Tourism, visitcasscounty.com.