The Flints Hills Discovery Center hosted the 12th annual state finals for the Kansas Cowboy Poetry Contest Friday.
After advancing through two regional competitions, seven finalists took the stage to perform all-original poems about the cowboy and ranch lifestyle.
Scott Wiswell, of Valley City, placed first in the serious poetry category.
Tim Keane, of Manhattan, also took home a win in the humorous poetry category. Keane said he was honored to be one of this year’s winners, but he also finds other aspects of the competition to be even more enjoyable.
Betty Burlingham, also of Manhattan, placed third in the humorous category for her poem about cow pies and state fairs. She told KMAN about what poetry and the ranch lifestyle means to her.
Jerry Jones of Salina and Colby Richard of Ellsworth also competed at this year’s competition. Dove Schmidt of Depew Oklahoma and Kyle Lyons of Scott City were two of the finalists, however they were unable to attend the competition on Friday.
