As the deadline to enter this year’s “Quest for the Best” singing contest looms, finding 20 entrants shouldn’t be a problem, organizer Dawn Booth said.
“We’ve got 12, including one duet, so far,” Booth said Monday, adding the annual competition, sponsored by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce and CFOB, already is shaping up to be better than ever.
“There’s quite a few new faces–a lot of high school students,” she noted.
The deadline to enter is Friday.
Entry forms are available at the Chamber office (across from Safeway), CFOB, Fort Frances High School, Rainy River High School, and the International Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Cost is $20 for singles, and $40 for duets.
“Quest” is being held in March rather than in February in conjunction with the Little Amik Winter Carnival (which was cancelled for this year).
Also new this year is the venue–the Townshend Theatre. Previously held upstairs at Memorial Arena, Booth said organizers expect a different sort of event because of it.
“I think it’s because it’s in a new venue, with a different atmosphere, especially with the no-drinking aspect, the show will have a more classy, professional feel to it,” she remarked.
Sponsors for the eight prizes up for grabs–first, second, and third place, as well as most original act, contestants’ choice, crowd participation, and two people’s choice–have been lined up.
First place will be worth $500, with $300 for second and $200 for third.
Emcees for the show are being lined up, with Jim Avis, a “Quest” committee member, being the only confirmation thus far.
In related news, “Quest” tickets will go on sale in mid-February. The price has been set at $14–$1 of which goes towards the upkeep of the theatre.
Although the theatre seats 430, only 400 tickets will be up for grabs since about 30 have set aside for sponsors.
Contestants will not be able to sit in the audience–even if they buy tickets–to help organizers keep the program running smoothly.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
