In 2022, Sue Price Ikerd was chosen as the inaugural poet laureate of the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival. Ikerd who is a native of Webster County, Missouri has written numerous poems for the festival, including “Beneath the Cherry Blossom Trees,” the official poem for the festival. The poem was recorded by the late, Dame Olivia de Havilland and is played to conclude the festival each April. It has also been used to promote the springtime gathering in publications and at various festival related events. Ikerd is a published poet and has contributed to several publications as well. Her book is entitled, “An American Farmer: A Glimpse into America’s Heritage”. Ikerd was honored as the inaugural poet laureate during the annual Marshfield High School Alumni Luncheon at the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival.
The Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival Auxiliary facilitates the Poet Laureate program on behalf of the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival Committee and appointments are made by the festival chairman, following nominations that are vetted by the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival Poet Laureate Committee. There has been no term limit defined for the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival Poet Laureate appointment.
In addition to other criteria established, the MCBF Poet Laureate shall be a published poet, a resident of Missouri, and be willing and able to promote poetry and the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival throughout their term. The poet laureate shall also compose an original poem in honor of the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival that may be used for publication, performance and distribution.
Below: Nicholas W. Inman (CBF Founder) presents Sue Price Ikerd with a plaque honoring her appointment as the inaugural poet laureate of the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival.
