Coon Creek Country Days sees stars at fourth Idol competition

It may have been afternoon, but attendees at Coon Creek Country Days had a view of the stars Saturday.

Hampshire's summer staple festival, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, hosted its fourth annual Hampshire Idol Competition at Bruce Ream Park.

A panel of seven judges, all residents and Hampshire Park District employees, judged the 15 contestants competing in three age groups.

Alexis Dahlberg, in the 12-17 age group, sang Carrie Underwood's "Crazy Dreams."

Eight-year-old Grace Smith, competing in the 11-and-under age group, was decked out as Elvis, performing a dance routine to the King's "Rubbernecking."

Tessa Meyer, 19, sang a powerful version of "Lithium" by Evanescence in the 18-and-up competition.

"We did it a little differently this year," entertainment director Bob Vasquez said. Instead of crowning an overall winner, cash prizes were given to first- and second-place winners in each group, he said.

Each participant received a trophy.

"We heard a lot of Carrie Underwood this year," he said.

Coon Creek Country Days caps off Sunday, following a noon parade and corn boil.

For information, call (847) 631-2181.