Laura Allen of Seattle captured the Striped Water Poets Open Mic Poetry Contest at the AuburnFest Literary Adventures event last Saturday.

The showcase, part of AugustFest, featured some of the area’s top poets, writers and artists for a full-day program at the Auburn Community and Event Center in Les Gove Park. Milling among the audience were Auburn Poet Laureate Marjorie Romell and Pacific Poet Laureate Gerald McBreen.

Allen won the grand prize, a basket overflowing with poetic goodies, wine and chocolate. Connie Walle of Tacoma’s Puget Sound Poetry Connection donated the basket.

Three honorable mentions – Amanda Enrico, James Rodgers and Judith Kent – received a tote bag with poetry books and novelties provided by the Striped Water Poets.