The West Hartford Library is inviting people of all ages to create the town’s first official song, and there is a prize for the winning entry.

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By Ronni Newton

West Hartford has a lot of things – but the town doesn’t have its own song.

The West Hartford Library has launched a contest – with a $500 grand prize at stake – for the submission that best “evokes the town of West Hartford, Connecticut, a spectacular, award-winning town,” the library’s website states. The prize money is courtesy of a grant from the Thomas F. Kilfoil Bequest to the West Hartford Public Library Foundation.

Songs, which cannot be more than three minutes in length, may include lyrics, but can also be instrumental only. Songs can be performed by individuals or groups. While the content of the song is crucial, the performance will also factor into the judging.

According to the library website, “songs with the words ‘West Hartford’ audible in the body of the song are encouraged.”

Submissions to the “Song for West Hartford” will be featured on the library’s website, and will be accepted only during the period Monday, June 1 through Sunday, July 26, 2020.

The top finalists will be announced on Wednesday, July 29, and public input will be requested. According to the library, the judges – who include professional musicians and music teachers – will convene and select the $500 grand prize winner, with the announcement coming on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Precise submission details can be found on the West Hartford Library website here.

More information can also be found by emailing song@westhartfordlibrary.org or calling the Information Desk at 860-561-6990.

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