The third annual SPARKS Literary Festival held Sunday, Jan. 22, at Petro-Canada Hall in the School of Music, was another major success for Memorial’s Faculty of Arts. And according to festival director, poet and professor Mary Dalton, it was a memorable day for all.

Fifteen writers read from their work on Sunday, including novelist Russell Wangersky, playwright Agnes Walsh, poet Mark Callanan and first-time participant Danielle Devereaux.

“Being asked to read at SPARKS is a wonderful privilege,” said Ms. Devereaux, whose chapbook Cardiogram sold out at the festival book table. She was “amazed” by the size of the audience. “That a bunch of people would come out to hear readings on a snowy Sunday in January and stay all day, even when the sun came out in the afternoon!”

Irish poet and anthologist John Ennis travelled from Waterford, Ireland, for the weekend to participate in this year’s festival and was also impressed by the size and scope of SPARKS.

Two awards were also given out at this year’s festival.

The first annual Cox & Palmer SPARKS creative writing award, given to a graduate or current student of Memorial’s creative writing program, was won by poet Randy Drover, who graduated with a BA in English and diplomas in both creative and professional writing in 2010.

“Randy is a perfect recipient for this first award,” said Mr. Paul MacDonald, a partner with the law firm. “He’s at the beginning of what I’m sure will be a stellar career as a writer. Cox & Palmer is so proud to recognize his talent and his contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador’s arts community.”

For the third year in a row, the SPARKS Literary Festival has sponsored a haiku competition, judged by poets Tom Dawe and Nick Avis. The recipient of the 2012 prize was Corner Brook’s Doug Gough.