Haiku Fest is the brainchild of Regina Harris Baiocchi and was inspired by one of her mentors, the late Gwendolyn Brooks, Illinois Poet Laureate. Haiku Fest was founded by Regina in Chicago, IL. Haiku Fest presents poetry readings, workshops, competitions and awards programs.
Haiku Fest Awards Programs are juried, annual events for 8 to 14 year old poets. Each poet receives a Certificate of Achievement. Other commendations include cash awards, prizes and honorable mentions.
By participating in the Haiku Festival, participants grant Haiku Fest the right to print poems, poets’ names, ages, school name, city, and commendation details on the Haiku Fest web site, in advertisements, and other publications. Copyright is reverted to each poet once poems are published on the official Haiku Fest website and in its literature.
Regina Harris Baiocchi is a composer and author of Blues Haiku, Urban Haiku, and Indigo Sound. Her music has been performed by internationally-acclaimed artists including Chicago and Detroit Symphony orchestras, and the US Army Band. One of Regina’s audio CDs, Kidstuff, includes original music she wrote for children. Regina began writing haiku at age 7.