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Literacy Council Kicks Off Vidalia Onion Sale, Bell Hooks Writing Contest
The Christian County Literacy Council is running two major events this spring to support literacy programs across the region.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:10am
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The Christian County Literacy Council in Hopkinsville, Kentucky is launching its annual Vidalia onion fundraiser and the Bell Hooks Memorial Writing Contest this spring. The onion sale, a community staple, runs through April 15th with pre-orders available online or by phone. Proceeds from the sale support the council's literacy programs, including a summer reading initiative. The writing contest, which honors the legacy of Hopkinsville native Bell Hooks, is accepting poetry, short stories, and essays on the theme of 'community'.
Why it matters
The Christian County Literacy Council plays a vital role in promoting literacy and educational access across the region. The Vidalia onion fundraiser and Bell Hooks writing contest are two of the council's signature annual events, engaging the local community and raising funds to sustain important programs like the spelling bee, classroom support, and book distribution.
The details
The Christian County Literacy Council's Vidalia onion fundraiser is now open for pre-orders through April 15th. Customers can place orders through the council's Facebook page or by calling their office. The onion sale has become a staple in the community over the years, with proceeds supporting the council's literacy programs across Christian County. At the same time, the council is accepting entries for the Bell Hooks Memorial Writing Contest, which features poetry, short stories, and essays on the theme of 'community'. This year's contest continues to grow, reflecting the lasting impact of the renowned author and activist who hailed from Hopkinsville.
- The Vidalia onion fundraiser pre-orders are open through April 15, 2026.
- The Bell Hooks Memorial Writing Contest is accepting entries in spring 2026.
The players
Christian County Literacy Council
A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting literacy and educational access in Christian County, Kentucky.
Francene Gilmer
The executive director of the Christian County Literacy Council.
Bell Hooks
A renowned author, activist, and professor who was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
What they’re saying
“The onion sale has become a staple in the community over the years.”
— Francene Gilmer, Executive Director
“This year's theme is 'community', something Gilmer says reflects the work of Bell Hooks herself.”
— Francene Gilmer, Executive Director
What’s next
The Vidalia onion fundraiser pre-orders will close on April 15, 2026, and the council will begin distributing the onions to customers. The Bell Hooks Memorial Writing Contest will accept entries throughout the spring, with the winning submissions to be published in a collected journal later in the year.
The takeaway
The Christian County Literacy Council's annual Vidalia onion sale and Bell Hooks writing contest are important community events that not only raise funds for vital literacy programs, but also honor the legacy of a renowned local author and foster creative expression around the theme of community.
