By Staff
Dowagiac Fun Fest, "Celebrate the Music," invites amateur entertainers to take center stage for the fourth-annual Star Search Talent Show, which will take place Friday, July 30, in downtown Dowagiac.
The July 29-31 summertime bash, which this year presents 52 hours of continuous vocal, instrumental and specialty entertainment, is an activity of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce.
The Star Search Talent Show is being coordinated by Jason, a Chamber of Commerce member, and is sponsored by Q-92 and Leader Publications.
Star Search will take place Friday, July 30, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Haggin-Wimberley Bandstand in Beckwith Park.
The talent show is limited to the first 10 qualified applicants, who will vie for $250 in cash awards, including $125 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third.
Jason said each performer will be allowed two minutes for their set-up and their four-minute act of either vocal, instrumental, theatrics or dance.
No karaoke-type performances will be allowed and previous winners of the Star Search competition are ineligible to participate.
Entrants must provide their own accompaniment, however, two microphones for vocal and instrumentation will be provided by the Chamber.
Performers can sign up for the talent show by contacting the Dowagiac radio station at 269/782-5106.
Entry into the competition is free of charge.
The 10 participants chosen by Q-92 to perform during the festival will be given a number and an approximate stage time for their performance.
Vickie Phillipson, program director of the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority, who is coordinating this year's summertime bash, said the Star Search Talent Show is part of 52 hours of continuous vocal, instrumental and specialty entertainment featured during the three-day event.
Dowagiac Fun Fest also brings to the Grand Old City: the amusement rides and midway of Family Fun Tyme; the Vertical Challenge Climbing Wall; Starwalk children's games; summer sidewalk sales with community, commercial and craft booths; a festival food court; PAL's three-on-three basketball tournament; the 30th anniversary of Steve's 5K and 10K Run and its Children's Fun Run; and Mini Grand Prix racing.