Tomorrow deadline to sign up for ‘Quest’

Singers who want to prove their talent at this summer’s “Quest for the Best” had better sign up soon as the deadline to enter the popular contest is tomorrow.
Organizer Dawn Booth of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce said the event is shaping up nicely as the number of contestants creeps closer to the target number of 20.
“We’re at 14 right now,” she said, noting the deadline already had been extended once after just eight contestants had signed up as of last Wednesday.
“I think more people have been entering lately because it’s closer to the date. And word of mouth has really gotten out,” she added.
Three of the entries for this year’s “Quest for the Best,” which is slated July 24 under the big tent at the Sorting Gap Marina in conjunction with the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, are duets, noted Booth.
Duets have become increasingly popular since first introduced as an option for “Quest” competitors in 2000, she added.
Booth said while she’s shooting for a full complement of performers, tomorrow’s deadline will be firm regardless of how many more people sign up.
Contestants can pick up entry forms at the Chamber office (474 Scott St.), B93-FM Radio, Tammi’s Flower Garden, Rainy Lake Hotel, the Memorial Sports Centre, and the Corner Closet in Emo.
Contestants must be at least 14 years old. The entry fee is $25 per person, whether they enter as a soloist or part of a duet.
Only the first 20 contestants will be accepted.
Besides entries, Booth said “everything else is on track,” referring to sponsorships and the backup band.
The first-place prize is $500, followed by $300 for second place and $200 for third. Other categories, such as People’s Choice and Most Original, fetch $100 each.
Admission tickets will go on sale July 2. About 1,000 will be available for $12 in advance (at the Chamber office) and $15 at the door (if there’s any left).
Booth noted tickets for “Quest” usually sell out beforehand.