Project Write, Inc., Wardensville Garden Market, and The River House first joined forces for Mountain Echoes during the spring of 2020. Closures due to COVID-19 pushed the first event online, but the 2021 event will be live, in-person in The River House’s outdoor dining and event area. The event will be limited to 25 competitors and 75 guests and follow standard mask and social distancing guidelines.

The spoken word event will bring together young writers and performers to tell their stories to a live audience. “By giving young people this event, we are encouraging them to speak aloud, to say what needs to be said,” said John Berry, local poet and member of The River House Board of Directors. “By speaking their poem, we hope they will begin to hear their own voice.”

The public is encouraged to attend the performances on May 16 at The River House. Pre-registration is not required for audience members.