The Niagara Falls Poetry Project website went live in 2001, with approximately 50 poems on the site. As of April 2026, 25 years later, it has expanded to over 700 poems. The earliest of these poems dates to 1604, where a mention is made of leur cheute nonpareille. This poem by Le Sievr de la Franchise can be found in the original French here, and in an English translation by Jonathan Kaplansky here.
Many of the poems on the site have been found in newspapers, magazines, and books, and increasingly on websites. Some have been submitted by the authors themselves, while others have been referred by those who know of this site and my interest in Niagara poetry. A very few, such as those written by Kimiko Hahn and Lori Lococo were written specifically to help celebrate the 25th anniversary at an event held on April 9, 2026 at the Niagara Falls History Museum. A post about the event can be found here.
As part of the anniversary celebration I have decided to run a poetry contest. The main theme has to be something to do with Niagara Falls, but more than just a casual mention. There will be a $200 first prize, a $100 second prize, and a $50 third prize, as well as a $200 prize for the poem that best exemplifies the “Spirit of Niagara Falls.” The contest ends on August 15. Contest rules can be found here.
At the event to launch the contest several poems were read. These include three poems written specifically for the event by New York State Poet Laureate Kimiko Hahn.
• Maud Willard and Her Niagara Falls Stunt, 1901
• The Music of Niagara in 1881 as Described by Eugene Thayer in Scribner’s Monthly
• On Preservation
Lori Lococo, Niagara Falls (Ontario) City Councillor wrote Democracy: A Poem
Wayne Gates, Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario was represented by Shannon Mitchell. She wrote:
• Haiku at the NFPP 25th Anniversary Event
Sharon Frayne, award winning poet, and judge of the 25th Anniversary Poetry Competition wrote:
CD Onofrio, poet and member of the band A Sea of Gold and Burgundy, and judge of the 25th Anniversary Poetry Competition wrote:
Gabriel Graham Piessens, poet and co-founder and co-editor-in-chief of Phylum Press, and judge of the 25th Anniversary Poetry Competition wrote:
Dave Hobberlim, local poet, wrote: On the Bridge at Chippawa
Louise Waldie, retired head of the project management office of major national insurance company, and wife of Andrew Porteus, wrote a short presentation and a limerick
Andrew Porteus, curator of the Niagara Falls Poetry Project, former librarian, and host of the evening wrote a number of limericks introducing the speakers. They can be found at:
• Limericks Used to Introduce Guest Speakers at the 25th Anniversary Event
Rules and submission guidelines for the Niagara Falls Poetry Project 25th Anniversary Poetry Contest