For those interested in a legitimate, though small contest, you might want to check out the Union County Writers Club contest at http://www.unioncountywritersclub.org/contest.html

Rules are posted. One typo on the page--the word limit for fantasy stories is 3000 words, not 300. We'll correct this very soon.

Update: It's corrected and I'm so proud of myself for getting this done. For all you short story and poetry writers out there, this is a legit contest that doesn't get a ton of entries, so you have a good chance. Winning or placing in contests is a nice writing credit to have when you contact agents and editors.

Writing contests are also a good way to work on your short fiction and poetry and learn to polish your work.