The public is invited to participate in the Poetry Sand Slam tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 26. In last week's issue the incorrect date was reported.

Audience members as well as competitors are encouraged to meet at Sips Wine and Coffee Bar, 162 W. Cotter Ave., at 8 p.m.

The Slam, a celebration of performance poetry, is 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, available for poetry not original to the presenter. It will 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 on a scale from 1.1 to 10.0 is done by five audience members. The highest and lowest scores are thrown out to discount friend and enemy influences, and the middle scores are averaged to determine who goes on to the next round.

It is designed to be a positive event, with booing allowed only when judges give a too-low score.

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

Donations are being accepted to help with start-up expenses, such as sound equipment, dry erase boards, timers and prize money.

Anyone who would like to host a Slam (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 or (361) 815-4691.