Enjoy poetry? Come participate in the next Poetry Slam tomorrow, Friday, June 27.

It will be held at Sips Wine and Coffee Bar, 162 W. Cotter Ave., at 8 p.m. Drinks and snacks may be purchased inside.

The Slam, open to the public, is a celebration of performance poetry. It will be held by the City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department on the fourth Friday of each month in various locations.

Artists wanting to present must sign up by 7:30 p.m.

The evening will begin with an open microphone, then progress to the competition.

Poets competing must bring at least three selections of their own writing, as three rounds are held before declaring a winner.

Performances are limited to three minutes, with points taken off for going over the limit. The judging is done by five selected audience members on a scale from 1.1 to 10.0. The highest and lowest scores are thrown out to discount friend and enemy influences, and the middle scores are averaged determining who goes on to the next round.

Donations will be accepted to help with expenses.

The monthly event is open to of all types of poetry, but will be kept family-friendly as teens are invited to attend and compete.

Music integrated into the poetry is allowed.

Those who enjoy poetry but don't write are invited to come listen and encourage the artists.

The parks department still needs suggestions for a name of the Port Aransas event. Submit nominations to pamg@cityofportaransas.org

The parks department invites schools, organizations and groups to partner in this monthly community event.

Anyone with a place for the Slams to be held (preferably where attendees can purchase drinks and snacks) or any group able to partner with this endeavor may contact community program coordinator Pam Greene at 749-4158, cell: 361-815-4691 or at the e-mail address above.