An open mic at New Port Richey's Florida Loquat Festival back in April has led to the creation of a chapbook filled with local poetry.
Titled Leaves of Loquat, the community-driven book, based off loquat poetry and short prose more than 15 people shared at the annual festival, will be unveiled at the New Port Richey Public Library from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. Guests may land copies of the book for a $5 donation.
In addition to the chapbook's release, writers in the collection will read their works during the free event.
"If you care about the environment, personal empowerment by growing your own food, or just love poetry by the people, join us on October 24," said Wendy Buffington, who coordinated the festival's poetry program, "O! Loquat!"
According to Buffington, guests will also get a taste of what next year's festival has planned.
This article appears in Oct 15-21, 2015.