Vocal cords of area songbirds are warming up for the seventh annual Hooked on Talent contest at 7 p.m. May 13 in the Backus Community Center Auditorium.
The annual event, which falls on the night before Minnesota’s walleye opener, has grown tremendously in popularity over the years according to Julie Ehrman and Jessica Crosby, board members of United Way, the organization that sponsors the contest.
“This is one of our major fundraisers,” Ehrman said of the event. “We have awesome talent expected for this year.”
Crosby said the contest draws vocal talent from around the area and Canada.
“This year, contestants have kind of been falling into our lap,” she said.
With more than 20 people signed up to perform, the women agree it is a show the community will enjoy.
“It is spring and everyone is sick of being shut in and this event is a time for the contestants to shine,” Ehrman said. “This is not just an average singing contest. These are people who you would probably see on American Idol. They are that good. It is just amazing the talent we get.”
United Way relies on events like Hooked on Talent to help fund programs around the area. The organization partners with community agencies to help fund events and programs. Ehrman spoke highly of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
“We distribute hardcover books every month to about 250 kids in the community,” Ehrman said. “It is totally free and there are no income guidelines. We need about $8,000 annually to fund this program and this talent show really helps reach that goal.”
Crosby added that show goers should remember to bring their dollar bills for an intermission raffle drawing.
“We have some really great prizes,” she said.
From Broadway to rock and roll to Christian tunes to rap, the women agreed that the genres of music performed is quite diverse.
“This show is for everyone,” Crosby said. “We have people of all ages scheduled to perform every kind of music out there.”
Ehrman added that contests don’t just sing — they perform.
“We’re sitting on the edge of our seat to see what these people are going to do next,” she said with a laugh. “Once a person goes to Hooked on Talent, they will most likely go every year. It really is a great show.”
Advanced tickets for the show can be purchased at City Drug, the Chamber of Commerce, the Backus office and Betty’s in Fort Frances. The cost is $12 for adults and $7 for children.
Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $9 for children.
