Time to Share Our Voices Open Mic Poetry Night at Carter Caves

Time to Share Our Voices

Open Mic Poetry Night at Carter Caves

Gwen Akers

The Ashland Beacon

Whether you're a writer from Boyd, Greenup, or Carter County—or simply someone who loves the sound of a powerful spoken word—the Carter Caves State Resort Park Poetry Night is calling your name.

On July 19th, the park will transform into a haven for writers, poets, and lovers of language. Set against the lush, vibrant backdrop of a Kentucky summer, Carter Caves invites you to immerse yourself in a night of creativity and connection.

Long celebrated as a natural gem and recreational getaway, Carter Caves has hosted countless events showcasing the beauty of the great outdoors. Now, it's shining a light on the inner landscapes of the human spirit—seen and shared through poetry.

After the success of last year’s poetry event, the park decided it was time for something even more special. Spearheaded by Autumn Barnett, the park’s Program Services Leader, and inspired by her creatively driven coworkers, this year’s event promises to be a heartfelt gathering for locals and travelers alike.

“This stems from me wanting to give them [her coworkers] a creative outlet, while also wanting to bring in the local community and bring a group of people together to share their creativity with each other,” explained Barnett.

The poetry reading will be held in the new memorial garden behind the Welcome Center—a serene space perfect for words to bloom. Open to writers of all ages and experience levels, the event encourages guests to bring their own snacks or dinners and settle in for an evening of inspiration.

Carter Caves hopes to welcome both familiar and new faces, continuing its tradition of inclusive and engaging summer programming.

Among those eager to share her voice is Sarah Allen, a West Liberty native and current president of the Carter County Poetry Society. Allen has spent the last three years helping coordinate and participate in readings throughout the region.

For her, the poetry night is more than just a performance—it's a platform.

“It's important that we still have a voice and that we let people know that writing is important for everyone,” Allen shared, reflecting on the power of poetry in rural communities. “Us people in Eastern Kentucky, in rural areas, we have the power to write amazing things and do amazing things.”

Events like this aren’t just entertainment—they’re a celebration of self-expression and community. They remind us that poetry isn’t confined to the page. It’s alive in every voice, every story, every corner of our small towns.

So, whether you're a seasoned poet or someone who scribbles in notebooks between shifts and school pickups, this night is for you.

To read at Carter Caves Poetry Night, bring your work and your passion to the Welcome Center at 7 p.m. on July 19. If you'd like more information or are interested in joining the Carter County Poetry Society, you can find them on Facebook.

Until then, keep crafting your poems—and get ready to share them with a community that’s ready to listen.