Local competition part of the Bell Tower Festival
Area residents age 21 and younger who want to follow a yellow brick road to the Bill Riley Talent Search at the Iowa State Fair are invited to start their journey in Iowa’s “Emerald” County, because “There’s No Place Like Home.”
Greene County Farm Bureau will once again sponsor a local qualifying talent competition during the Bell Tower Festival. Over the past 26 years, audience members attending the Jefferson show have seen some exceptional talent by young people, and coordinator Bill Sutton says this year will be no different.
Sutton encourages young people who reside in Greene (Emerald) County or the state of Iowa who are interested in showcasing their talent to consider entering this year’s competition. “If you enjoy singing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument, the Bill Riley Talent Search is for you,” Sutton said.
Sutton and Farm Bureau office assistant Marilyn Parker are already at work on this year’s show. Michael Cooley of ISU Extension & Outreach in Greene County will make his debut as a Bill Riley emcee.
The show will be held Saturday, June 14, at 5 pm on the Bell Tower Festival’s Plaza Stage on the south side of the courthouse. Entry priority will be given to contestants living in Greene County. Entries to out-of-county residents will be accepted after May 30 if the show has not filled.
There will be two divisions of competition: sprouts, ages 2-12, and seniors, ages 13-21. Cash prizes will be awarded in both divisions. Local division winners will be eligible to compete in the Bill Riley Talent Search at the Iowa State Fair in August.
Entry forms are available at the Greene County Farm Bureau office at 201 E. Harrison St in Jefferson, or by calling 515-386-8146. Ten entries will be accepted in each division on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is no entry fee. Entries must be at the Farm Bureau office by Friday, May 30.
