From days of old, when knights were bold and minstrels regaled the king and court with songs and rhyme, to the raucous readings of the Beat Generation, to today’s combative poetry slams, live recitation before a group has always been a hallmark of poetry’s appeal.

On Bainbridge Island, too, for nearly 35 years now, the gathering of poets and poetry lovers at San Carlos Restaurant has been a literary tradition, one which will continue at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 18.

Originally slated for a different date, event organizer Nancy Rekow said the reading was moved, “so as not to be too close to the Island Treasure [award] event,” set to take place on Saturday, March 24.

Everyone is welcome to come and read, or just listen, explained Rekow. The festivities often carry over into the evening as folks stick around and munch and sip and chat.

The bar will be open, and dinner available after the reading.