Staff
A battle for local singing supremacy will be renewed at “Quest for the Best” here July 25.
The popular annual event, once again being held in conjunction with the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, has been a success since its inception in 1995, having drawn crowds of nearly 2,000 in years past.
But Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce manager Annely Armstrong-Thorstad said only eight of the 20 contestant slots have been filled so far despite tomorrow’s “flexible deadline.”
“We do have some spots left and we are not going to stop until those spots are filled,” Armstrong-Thorstad stressed.
“But the sooner people come forward, the better” she added, noting it’s important to know who’s competing as soon as possible so the band, “The Faculty,” can begin working with the contestants.
“There have been a lot of people who have come in and grabbed applications, but the only way we can secure a spot is when people pay,” Armstrong-Thorstad remarked.
“This happens every year,” she noted. “There are so many people who want to participate but we have to go by who gets here first.”
Armstrong-Thorstad said “Quest for the Best definitely will be a lot of fun.
“Now it’s just a matter of getting people signed up,” she reasoned.
Past “Quest” participants Larissa Desrosiers, Jessica Desrosiers, Bridget Jorgenson, David Loney, Don Hyatt, Joey Payeur, and Alex Denby will be vying for the 11 prizes up for grabs this year, including the $1,000 to the overall winner.
In related news, the committee still is looking for one more judge to join the ranks of Diane Maxey and Brittany Hayes.
Hayes, who won “Quest” in 2012 before she joined the panel last year, said she’s excited to be a part of the judging process because the competition is “the highlight of her summer.”
“‘Quest’ has always been one of those events that brings our community together,” she noted.
“There’s always a huge crowd and such big support all around, both in front of and behind the stage.”
“The competition is a great opportunity for area performers to get up and sing in front of a large audience,” Hayes added.
“It’s one of those things that makes you proud to live here and proud to see how many incredibly-gifted people we’ve got right here at home.”
“Quest for the Best” is open to anyone aged 13 years and older.
The entry fee $25 for a solo act and $35 for a duet.
Tickets are on sale now for $15.
For more information or to pick up an entry form, call Armstrong-Thorstad at 274-5773 or drop by the Chamber office (located above the Northern Lights Credit Union).
