‘Quest for the Best’ set to go

The fourth-annual “Quest for the Best” slated Feb. 5 won’t be short on entertainment again this year, with contestants filling all 20 spots by last Friday’s deadline.
“As of 4:30 p.m. Friday, we found our 20 entries,” noted Chamber of Commerce co-ordinator Dawn Booth.
“We have a lot of new entrants this year–it’s definitely different,” organizer Pearl Pidlubny said, adding this year’s theme is “The End of an Era.”
There also will be a new champ this year as Melanie Bodnar won’t be back to defend her title. But those returning to showcase their talent include Debbie Connon, Tara Hahkala, Marc Desforges, Graham Matheson, and Heather Mihichuk (all of Fort Frances), Garry Mathewson (Emo), and Alyson Booth (Devlin).
New to the competition will be Sarah Hebert, Adia Huss-Solomon, Jerry Donaldson, Darlene Barrett, Jessica DeGagne, Jon Bone, Kari Tougas, and Dave Allison (all of Fort Frances), Katriina Maki and Susie Grynol (Devlin), Kelly Moulik (Nestor Falls), and Mike Zawchenuk and Tammy Munro (International Falls).
The winner will take home the $500 first prize, donated by Causeway Pontiac. Second place is $300 (sponsored by Heikki Lampi Sand and Gravel) while third place is $200 (Fort Duty Free).
The fourth-place winner will receive a JVC portable CD player (courtesy of Sight & Sound).
The “People’s Choice” winners from the first and second set will each receive a $100 gift certificate from Leisure Time Spas & Billiard Supplies, as well as a $50 gift certificate from M&S Bootery and Sportique.
Green’s Furniture has donated $100 gift certificates to the winners of the “Crowd Particpation” and “Contestant’s Choice” awards while La Place Rendez-Vous has provided a $100 gift certificate for the “Most Original.”
Other sponsors for this year’s “Quest” include CFOB Radio, Border Travel, and Fort Frances Remedial Therapy Clinic.
Tickets will be available at the Chamber of Commerce office on Scott Street (across from Safeway) starting Feb. 1. They cost $12, and are expected to go fast.
“It’s the best entertainment anyone can find in this town, and it’s produced by people from this area,” Pidlubny enthused.
“Quest for the Best,” held in conjunction with the annual Little Amik Winter Carnival, once again will go upstairs at Memorial Arena starting at 7 p.m. (doors will open at six).