The Belle Fourche Writers once again brought home a comfortable number of ribbons and accolades from the 2026 State Fair competition in Huron. Submitting writing in various categories, and coming home with prizes has become something of a tradition for the Belle Fourche Writers.
Our 2026 award winners are Margie Bolte, Jean Helmer, Joan Gerkin, and Samantha Springer. Lynda Edwards, a prominent figure among the winners in the past, did not submit this year. I invited Margie, Jean, Joan, and Samantha to tell me about their recent contributions and awards.
Margie Bolte scored the most ribbons. “I was excited to be recognized in the South Dakota State Fair literature contest for 2026. I received six blue 1st place ribbons for essay writings, and five red 2nd place ribbons for poetry. I was pleased.” Margie explained, “My essays and writing were recognized in the non-fiction, fiction, and poetry categories. One of my favorite essays is about a good friend I knew in North Dakota. It is called ‘ChitChatting with Liz’. Liz recently passed; she was diagnosed with breast cancer six months ago. We called each other often. I miss her. Another favorite essay, I placed is about my visit to New Mexico and reconnecting with cousins, ‘Finding My Family in Chimayo, New Mexico.’ I enjoy writing, and it is nice to get the recognition.”
Joan Gerkin won second place for a human-interest story called ‘Remnants’. “It’s about going back to my first house which has fallen into disrepair.” Joan explained, then added, “Actually, three of us from the Belle Fourche Writers Group finished in the top three in this category. Margie got first, me second, and Samantha Springer got third! I only submitted the one story this year.”
Samantha’s entry was a biographical essay about her grandmother, who passed recently.
Margie, Joan, Lynda, and Samantha have entered the Literature competition as amateur writers.
According to the State Fair Literature exhibitor handbook, there is a distinction between amateur and professional exhibitors, “An Amateur: Exhibitor writes for pleasure and does not derive the majority of income from writing. A ‘professional’ is described thus: ‘Exhibitor writes primarily for the purpose of selling; or who has had 3 or more years of literature training, or teaches literature media.”
Jean Helmer explained that her experience as a published writer and teacher of writing places her in the ‘professional’ class.
Jean received 6 blue ribbons in the following professional categories: Adult Short Story (600-1300 words); Adult Short Story (1300 words +); Humorous Story; Informal Essay; Human Interest Story (300 words+) ; and Anecdote (under 300 words). “My informal essay, ‘Piece of Meat’ received the Best of Show designation.” Jean added.
“In poetry, which only has an amateur category, I received 4 blue ribbons, 2 reds and one white. Blue ribbons: Rhymed poem over 24 lines; Poem for children; ode, definition poem — basing the poem on a feeling. My poem ‘Dementia Anem’ was also given Best of Show honors.
I received red ribbons for a nature poem and for a memory poem. My narrative poem received a white ribbon.” There is a single Best of Show given for Professional Prose, one for Amateur Prose, and one for Poetry.
Additionally, there is a third category in the Literature division for Juniors to include anyone under 18 prior to the start of the fair.
Unfortunately, Lynda Edwards did not submit any entries in 2026, but plans to submit in 2027.
In the past, Lynda’s strong writing voice has resulted in a fine collection of ribbons and accolades. She provided me with a list of her awards from recent years, as well as a written account of her 2026 relocation experiences that will likely make it to the 2027 State Fair Literature competition.
I had an extended email conversation with Lynda who described some moving experiences that will likely figure into 2027 winning ribbons. Meanwhile, Lynda summarized her past State Fair honors. “I did not enter anything in 2026, but hope to compete next year. The following is a list of ribbons and awards I have received in the past: 2019 five entries; three blue and two red. One entry won a Best of Show plaque for amateur prose. 2020 six entries; five blue, one red. Best of Show in amateur poetry won a Purple Rosette. 2022 six entries; three blue, two red, one white 2023 fourteen entries; ten blue, three red, one white, also a Best of Show plaque, a Friends of the Huron Public Library certificate and $25.00. In 2025 twenty-eight entries; twelve blue ribbons, eight red, four white, and three green ribbons, Best of Show for amateur poetry, and The Literature Sweepstakes Award plaque. This was awarded because I had the most overall entries.
The Belle Fourche Writers are busy year-round. The State Fair Literature Competition is just one of their outlets to share talents. They are also active participants in South Dakota Sate Poetry Society, Poetry on the Road Presentations. Belle Fourche Writers meet twice monthly. The first Monday of the month is set aside for peer editing from 2 to 4 PM. There is a regular monthly meeting on the third Saturday of each month from 10 AM to Noon. All meetings are held at the Belle Fourche Public Library and all writers are welcome!
The following website offers more information on the 2027 State Fair Literature Competition: https://www. sdstatefair.com/participate/ The days to the submission deadline are counting…
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