Is putting words to music a gift you want to share? Then consider entering the Hank Williams International Fan Club Songwriting Contest this June.

After several years’ hiatus, the fan club brought the contest back as part of the Hank Williams Festival in 2009, with local talent T.J. Bender of Greenville taking top honors with his original composition.

This year’s event is set for 11 a.m., Friday, June 11 at the Georgiana Nutrition Center on Palmer Ave. Contestants will perform their compositions live before a panel of judges and an audience that morning.

“All songwriters can contribute up to three original songs complete with melody and lyrics,” Sherri Brackin, fan club vice-president and contest coordinator, explains.

“Each of those entries must be accompanied by an application form, five copies of the lyrics and an entry fee of $10 for each song submitted.”

All applications should be submitted between May 20 and June 6.

Late entries will be accepted upon approval, but require all forms and fees to be submitted prior to the performance.

Prizes and awards will be presented to the first through fourth place winners.

“Our first place winner will receive eight hours of recording time at Instant Karma Entertainment/IKE Records of Birmingham, a beautiful acoustic guitar, a certificate and a Hank T-shirt,” Brackin says.

“The contest is a great fundraiser for our club and it also gives this aspiring songwriters a venue to share their work and give exposure to their talent and creativity.” Visit www.hankwilliamsinternationalfanclub.com

for complete rules and a printable application. For more information, contact Sherri Brackin at 334-490-5026 or email at sbrackin156@yahoo.com.