Gretah Kay Johnson, 10, of Jefferson is among the talented young Iowans who have qualified for the semi-final round in Bill Riley’s 56th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform again on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, Aug. 20-22.
Gretah performed in the local competition during the Bell Tower Festival but qualified for the State Fair Talent Search at another competition.
Others who have qualified in the Sprout division (ages 2-12) are Chaim Moore, 10, of West Des Moines, vocal solo; Maesi Caes, 10, of Altoona, lyrical dance; Macy Reischl, 10, of Harlan, jazz/acro dance; and Kanyon Huntington, 12, of Afton, Danika Schultes, 13, of Creston, Mikenna Cass, 12, of Afton, Hannah Wisniewski, 11, of Osceola, and Page Hudson, 12, of Afton, clog quintet.
Bill Riley, Jr. is once again hosting the competition. Two Sprout acts will be crowned champions every day of the semi-finals. The six winning acts will perform in the talent-packed championship set for Sunday, Aug. 23, at 1:30 pm on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor KCWI.
Each of the six Sprout champions will receive a prize of $250 after the championship show. More than $16,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined. This year’s contest is sponsored by Hy-Vee.
