Young people prepare for their starring moment at DuPage fair

Rachael Wieczorek still gets nervous before dancing on stage, despite the fact that she's been doing it since she was just 2 years old.

"I do feel nervous, but excited too," the 15-year-old Carol Stream resident said before taking the stage Saturday at the DuPage County Fair. "I don't think the nerves will ever go away."

Wieczorek was one of 16 young people to compete Saturday in the finals of the ninth annual Talent Contest at the fair. The event filled the Entertainment Tent during the hot afternoon.

The preliminary round took place earlier this month. Saturday's finalists were divided into two categories, according to age.

Wieczorek, who hopes to be a professional dancer, said she was going to perform a contemporary dance piece that she choreographed herself. She performed in last year's talent contest, too, but didn't reach the finals.

Wieczorek's father, Ray, said he still feels nervous when his daughter performs. He believes, though, that the experience is good for her.

"She's dealing with things and learning skills that she can carry with her for the rest of her life," he said.

Another talent show vet, Carol Stream resident Christopher Woods, said he doesn't get nervous before performing anymore.

"I practice year round, and I have a lot of fun," said Woods, who is about to turn 9. "So I don't really get nervous."

Woods, wearing a black cape and carrying a top hat, had a magic act prepared for Saturday's show. His mother, Jennifer, said he takes magic classes at the Carol Stream Park District.

"I think he's amazing," she said, smiling.

Other contestants in the show sang songs or played musical instruments. Cash prizes ranging from $30 to $100 would be awarded to the top four finishers in both divisions. The winners were expected to be posted at dupagecountyfair.org by Sunday.

The Talent Contest was just one of the many activities that took place Saturday at the county fair, which runs through Sunday in Wheaton. Although the heavy rainfall on Saturday morning pushed the day's events back a bit, things were moving smoothly by the early afternoon hours, fair manager Ellen Sietmann said.

"The weather is supposed to be much better (Sunday), so I encourage everyone to come on out and have a good time," she said.