The annual HerrinFesta Talent Show was held Wednesday night, May 23, 2007, at the Herrin Civic Center. As always, Karen Sala organized this eagerly anticipated event, that is a delight to performers and spectators alike. Jonathan Estes was Emcee, and the atmosphere was definitely Broadway – New York style! Judging was difficult, but Trevor Clark, Lindsey Estes, Nicole Hodges, Holly Kee, and Hillary Renda put their heads together and chose the following winners: Tying for 1st place in the High School Division, and getting $100.00 in prize money each, were Sarah Odle of Marion, who sang “Art is Calling for Me”; and Joshua Kimball of Benton, who sang “Rum Tum Tugger” from the Broadway musical CATS. Joseph Ryker from Herrin played the Saxophone, and placed third, getting a prize of $40.00.
In the College Division, Justin Kimball of Benton sang “Impossible Dream”, and went away with the first prize of $100.00. Rachael Brock came in 2nd to take home $75.00, and the third prize of $40.00 was awarded to Evan Boswell of Marion.
Williamson County Fair winners were Page Madison, 1st; Rachael Brock, 2nd; and Sarah Odle, 3rd. These winners will go on to compete at the Illinois state Fair Talent Competition in January 2008.
In the Junior Division, taking the award for first place in the kindergarden/1st grade/2nd grade class was the Snow Power Junior Dance Team. 2nd place went to Sydney Hammond. In Class B, covering 3rd through 5th grades, Dalton Rothchild of Herrin took 3rd place, Spencer Sharp of Marion walked away with 2nd, and first prize went to Preston Barden of Herrin for his martial arts performance. In the 6th to 8th grade division, 1st place went to Megan Wood from Carbondale, 2nd to Kristopher Fernandez of Marion, and third to Macy Russell of Herrin.
Winning the Junior Division of the Williamson County Fair award was Kristopher Fernandez for his song and dance routine of “Stepping Out with My Baby.” Second place went to Darcy Dreyer of Marion for her vocal performance of “Paper Moon/Orange Colored Sky.” Andrew Nixon of Buncombe received third place for his piano performance of “Norwegian Concerto.” Fernandez will advance to compete at the Illinois State Fair Talent Contest in January.
Thanks to all competitors and organizers. This HerrinFesta tradition would be impossible without our volunteers and performers!
.