Innisfil's Got Talent deadline approaching
By Chris Simon

Innisfil's got talent, so why not show it off?

The deadline for entrants into the Alcona Business Association's Innisfil's Got Talent Contest is fast approaching. Registration forms are due by Friday, and preliminary auditions will be held at the Innisfil Community Church April 26 to May 2.

All amateur performers living in Innisfil are invited to audition. They can have any talent, ranging from singing and dancing to poetry and comedy, said organizing committee member Lenore Dempster.

"There has been a talent show in the past, but this is new for the ABA; they're trying to do things for the town and its people," she said, noting the event had previously been run by the Innisfil Community Events Corporation. "We're looking for all sorts of talent; singing, dancing, guitar, keyboard, a band. Whatever talent you have, we're looking to have you come out and join us."

Performers will be grouped into five age categories - 15 and under, 16 to 25, 26 to 39, 40 to 64 and 65 and older.

Group performances will be allowed. However, the group will be placed into an age bracket, based on the oldest member.

The top eight finalists in each age category will advance to the semi-finals in May, with the top three winners from each bracket moving on to the main stage at Innisfil Summerfest in June.

"The top three in each category will go on to Innisfil Summerfest," said Dempster. "The winner of each category will then be allowed to perform on the Sunday (of Summerfest), and they can do more than one performance."

Dempster says the contest is a fun and exciting way for people of all ages to build confidence and showcase their unique talents.

"We're looking to make this a fun family event," she said. "We have a young girl that's written an article that's on file at the town. If it wasn't for the talent show, she wouldn't have had the confidence and encouragement to go on and do what she wanted to do.

"She's pleased it's back. The more the kids get up on stage, the better it is for them. It'll give them confidence, whether they go on to be performers or not. It'll help them with their school, when they have to stand in front of a class and give a presentation."

The ABA is asking businesses to donate prizes for the contest.

"We're hoping to get enough prizes that everybody who makes it to the semi-finals might get a little something, and then of course for our main winner," said Dempster. "Whatever we can get in donations would be greatly appreciated."

For more information, call Dempster at 436-1095.