‘Quest’ attracts 19 hopefuls

Nineteen people have signed up to compete in this year’s “Quest for the Best” being held next month in conjunction with the Little Amik Winter Carnival, one short of a full program.
This year’s theme is “Rhythm of the Night.”
Those competing this year includes Melanie Bodnar (Fort Frances), Alyson Booth (Emo), Marc Desforge (Fort Frances), Kerry French (Fort Frances), Debbie Connon (Fort Frances), Garry Mathewson (Emo), Dan Jones (Fort Frances), Will Baranowski (Emo), and Jessica Lee Commisso (Schreiber).
Rounding out the contestants are Bob Kaylor (International Falls), Linda Enge (Devlin), Jeff Holenko (International Falls), Inga Friesen (Devlin), Graham Matheson (Fort Frances), Adam Duguay (Fort Frances), Tara Hahkala (Fort Frances), Maureen Hahkala (Fort Frances), and Mark Elliott (Fort Frances).
Noticeably absent from the list is last year’s champion, Stacie Peterson, who also took top honours in the professional category at the inaugural “Quest for the Best.”
But back on the list is French, who took a break from “Quest” last year as a contestant to be a judge. She said she’s looking forward to getting back on the stage.
“It’s fun,” she said yesterday. “I like singing on a stage in front of people.”
Several newcomers also have thrown their hats into the ring. For Friesen, entering “Quest” was something she’s been meaning to do for some time.
“I’m not entering for the winnings but for the personal challenge,” she noted. “It’s not easy to get up in front of all those people and sing.
“I’m doing this basically for the training.”
Commisso, one of the youngest contestants, and certainly the most distant, also is in it for some experience.
Only 15, this Schreiber teen is aiming for a career in music, her father, Jim, said last night from their home. She has sung the national anthem for the Thunder Cats in Thunder Bay, and took third place in a similar event in Sault Ste. Marie.
“This is more exposure for her,” he said.
Changes have been made to the prize structure this year. Cash awards for first, second and third place will be $500, $300, and $200 respectively.
The fourth-place prize was removed but prizes for two “People’s Choice” awards have been added–one for each half of the show.
Other prizes up for grabs this year include a portable CD player, $200 in gift certificates for Green’s Furniture, one night in a suite at La Place Rendez-Vous, and lift tickets for Giant’s Ridge.
But perhaps the biggest change is the vacation trip. Normally part of the grand prize, it will be raffled off among the contestants this year.
“We’re just going to make if fair for everyone,” said Heather Herbert, executive director of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.
“Everyone can hope for a big prize.”