Kane talent winners to compete in Springfield
They were judged to be the best in Kane County. Now they’ll go up against the rest of Illinois.
Kane County Fair Talent Contest first-place winners Jamie Anne Dowat of St. Charles, Junior Division, and Ashley Heska of Batavia, Senior Division, will compete Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Official Talent Contest State Competition in Springfield.
Dowat performed a vocal solo of “Mambo Italiano” and Heska performed a violin solo of “Czardas.” Both Dowat and Heska received a $200 first-place prize at the Kane County Fair Talent Contest held July 18 as a “Pre-Fair Showcase” at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.
They will represent Kane County and will both compete in Springfield with the same performance.
According to Elizabeth McDevitt, chairwoman of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Talent Contest, “There will be 39 acts competing in the Senior Division and 38 acts in the Junior Division at the competition this year.”
Ten acts will be recognized to win in each division. The top six in both divisions will receive a trophy, a monetary award and an invitation to perform at the 2012 Illinois State Fair.
The remaining top four in each division will receive an honorable mention.
The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Official Talent Contest State Competition in Springfield began its tradition in the 1970s in conjunction with the Illinois State Agricultural Fairs annual convention.
“Locally, the Kane County Fair Talent Contest is open to a wide variety of talent and entertainment,” said Larry Rossi of RPM Creative Music, coordinator of the talent contest. “In 2011, we had our largest number of 50 audition participants and the 19 finalists who competed for prizes.
“The judges were highly impressed with the quality of talent in our community. We really look forward to this year’s contest based on the excitement we experienced last year.”
The contest is open to any person or group (school/organization) residing in Kane County.
More details about the 2012 Kane County Fair Talent Contest auditions will be available soon. For information on how to enter future contests, call Larry Rossi at (847) 622-9935 or email KaneCoTalent@aol.com.