Looking for the next great talent

Times Reporter  

 

The Strathmore Stampede talent show is back for another year, and after last year’s success with the new voting process, things will look very similar this year. 

One of the major differences is that the show is limited to only 10 entries this year. The deadline to enter is July 23. 

“If we have more than 10 entries by July 23 we will hold an audition on the 28,” said spokeswoman Judi Wilson. 

The 10 qualifying participants will perform during the July 30 volunteer appreciation night.  

“Everybody there will be getting a ballot and will pick (who they like). After the votes are all counted then the Top 5 will move on to perform on stage at Heritage Days,” said Wilson. 

Daily, during the stampede, the participants will perform at 4 p.m., with the exception of Aug. 4 when the show is at 12 p.m. All five participants will perform on the first night, and at the end of each evening the audience will have a chance to vote for who they like best. One person will be eliminated daily until it is down to the final two on Monday.  

“As each year comes along its going to get better and better because people are going to realize they’re the judges,” said Wilson.

Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dance Hall once again sponsored the event, donating $1,500 in prize money, and at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 4 the cheques will be awarded to the winners. First place will receive $800, second will get $400 and the final three will get $100 each.

“This is open to everyone, we don’t limit it. Last year we opened it up and we got some really good talents but in saying that our second and third runners up were both Strathmore talents,” said Wilson. 

“I hope that the entertainment that they provide to our volunteer appreciation banquet is huge because it really adds to both sides, it adds to the appreciation for our volunteers, it also gives them a job to do because they’re the ones judging. We’re limiting it to 10 entries that night, so it’s not going to go extremely late, as soon as supper is over we’ll start.”

Talents can be anything and everything, not necessarily just singing and musicians, though that is most often the talent showcased. Dancers, jugglers and even comedians could take a shot at being the 2014 Strathmore Stampede talent show winner. 

Applications for the talent show can be found online at www.strathmorestampede.com or by going to the Strathmore and District Ag. Society.