Talented Putnam County youth bound for state fair
Due largely to the efforts of contest organizer Lita Sandy, the Putnam County Fair Talent Contest looks to be on its way back. Having had just two entries in 2008, the number was up to nine on Sunday at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.
With a theme of "So You Think You Got Talent," 16 local youths, some as individuals and some as groups, proved they indeed have talent.
Having reviewed the performances, the judges picked the dance team of Maddison Plunkett, Angel Nield, Andi Foltz, Michaela Scales, Courtney Sullivan and Olivia Arnold as the overall youth champion. Guitarist Anthony Cosner was youth reserve champion for his performance of Paul McCartney's "Blackbird."
In the senior competition, Tony Patrick was a double threat. He bested the other competitors by playing guitar and singing on David Archuletta's "A Little Too Not Over You." Reserve champion in the seniors was Krista Gordon, who sang Taylor Swift's "White Horse."
The overall champions and reserve champions earned a spot in the Indiana State Fair Talent Contest next month. They will also be joined by three other acts who won their individual divisions Sunday evening.
The youth instrumental group of Justin Hall (guitar), Logan Grim (vocals) and Micah Grim (keyboards) won its division by performing its own composition "Déjá Vu." Youth vocalist Vanessa Weddell advanced by singing Taylor Swift's "Love Story."
The senior dance group of Ariel Higgins and Madi Egold won their division with a routine they choreographed with the help of their older sisters.
The Indiana State Fair Talent Contest will be Aug. 7 and 8 in the Farm Bureau Building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.