Deadline extended for ‘Quest’ acts

While the deadline to sign up for “Quest for the Best” was supposed to be Friday afternoon, organizer Dawn Booth said Monday morning that registration will remain open until all 20 contestant slots are filled.
“We still have a few spots open–three or four,” she noted, adding entries came in steadily all last week.
Entry forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office (across from Safeway), CFOB, Sears Canada, Rainy River High School, the Corner Closet in Emo, and the International Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Contestants must be at least 14 years old. Entry fee, which must be paid at the Chamber office, is $20 per person.
So far, the lineup is shaping up to make for an exciting event come July 25 under the big tent at the Sorting Gap Marina in conjunction with the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, said Booth.
“We’ve got quite a few new people this time around so that’s nice to see,” she noted.
Among some of the first-timers are Katie Steele, Misty Christian, Branda Avis, and the duet of R.J. Noga and Blair Whitefish.
More familiar faces will include Jason Godin, Jon Bone, Ian Martin, and past “Quest” winners Alyson Booth and Heather Mihichuk.
“We also have five duets. I think the most we’ve seen at a [previous] ‘Quest’ is two–it should be interesting,” remarked Booth.
She added the mix of talent also will mean songs from a range of artists.
“We’ve got everything from Leann Rimes to Metallica to Ozzy Osborne to Jessica Simpson–there’s a wide variety there,” laughed Booth.
Contestants will be vying for a number of cash prizes, including $500 for first place, $300 for second, and $200 for third. And $100 prizes will be awarded for people’s choice, most original, audience response, and contestants’ choice.
“Quest” is co-sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and CFOB while prizes are donated by numerous local businesses.
Tickets to attend “Quest” will go on sale June 28 to coincide with the BIA’s Mall Day. They cost is $10 in advance or $12 at the door (if there’s any still available).
“Quest” was last held in conjunction with the FFCBC in 1999, where it drew about 1,000 spectators. Last year it was staged at the Townshend Theatre.
(Fort Frances Daily Bulletin)