Blue Heron Coffeehouse | 162 W 2nd St.
sonnetcontest.org

The Maria W. Faust Sonnet Contest invites you to celebrate the opening of this year’s contest and National Poetry Month on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 6:30 – 9 pm at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public. Live music by Flutistry will accompany social time starting at 6:30 pm. At 7 pm, we will celebrate the life and legacy of the contest’s benefactor and former director, Ted Haaland, who passed away on February 17th.

Ted spent the years following the death of his beloved Maria writing poetry every day. Under his leadership, a small, local contest spread around the world, with the 2023 event receiving 700 sonnets from poets in 43 US states and 16 other countries. Ted’s friends and admirers are invited to say a few words and/or share a poem in his honor at this event. Friends are also invited to attend a memorial service for Ted on Friday, May 3rd at 10 am at Hoff Funeral Home in Winona. Learn more.