Karen Mair, Mainstreet host, takes home Joseph Sherman Award
Mair honoured with the P.E.I. Writers’ Guild Joseph Sherman Award for her contribution to literary arts
Karen Mair, host of CBC Radio's Mainstreet, has been honoured by the P.E.I. Writers' Guild for her special contribution to literary arts on the Island.
Mair took home the Joseph Sherman Award at the 28th annual Cox & Palmer Island Literary Awards on Sept. 19.
Mair, who was emceeing the event, said she was confused when organizers took over the proceedings and started reading the citation.
"It's one of the major awards. I didn't know it was me until they said my name," said Mair.
The citation called Mair an "invaluable go-to person for P.E.I. writers and publishers who want Islanders to know about their creations."
It went on to say that she is "keenly aware of the vital role played by literary writing and publishing … in the Island's identity and heritage."
Mair said she was "totally surprised" and honoured to be considered for the award by the group, most of whom have appeared on Mainstreet.
"I think they appreciate that they have a local arts outlet," she said.
Olivia Robinson took home the Maritime Electric Short Story Award. The Lucy Maud Montgomery PEI Literature for Children Award went to Yvette Doucette. The Milton Acorn Poetry Award went to Chris Bailey. The Clary Pottie Creative Non-Fiction Award: was handed to Tanya Nicolle MacCallum.
Mainstreet airs on 96.1 FM every weekday from 4 to 6 p.m.