Two singers chosen to represent Logan County at state talent show

[August 11, 2021]   Saturday starting at noon five talented performers, all female, graced the Lincoln Stage for the Logan County Fair Talent Show.

The atmosphere in the performance barn was relaxed and comfortable as temps and humidity outside began to get sticky.

Judges would be pressed to make hard choices this day between two junior entrants and three senior contestants



In the Junior division, 14-year-old Kristina Morrow tackled a complex, fast paced piece by German composer Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach on the keyboard.



Next up was five year-old Lillian Rademaker of Lincoln. The petite tiny tot up on a big stage won hearts immediately when in her wispy elegant, shimmery gold floor-length dress and matching sparkly shoes she said, "My grandma made my dress."

Show coordinator Darlene Begolka advised the audience prior to Lillian taking the stage that she bent the official rules a little by allowing a backup tape with vocals to help the youngster.



Next began the Senior division, Mount Pulaski High School Junior Alexis Johnson. Johnson brought a little country to the stage crooning "Strawberry Wine" by Deana Carter.



Next,18-year-old Abigail 'Abi' Stiefvater sang a powerful and uplifting song. Stiefvater is attending the University of Illinois majoring in biology.



Lastly it was Christian Life Academy - Hopedale freshman Lydia Marie Simpson. Simpson sang a soulful song "Hold on" that she wrote last year and she accompanied herself on guitar.

Fair royalty attended the performance and then while judges stepped out to confer, the girls were called to the stage to fill time.

The Fair Royalty spend an intense week on the grounds attending numerous events and activities. They hand out hundreds of ribbons and awards, and pose for innumerable photo ops. They act as fair emissaries and radiate joy everywhere they go.

This group did a splendid job interacting with the audience relaying their experiences of the last few days and even throwing in a little dance at the end.

Queen Caroline Ahrends shared what she has enjoyed at the fair since being crowned on Tuesday evening and then she prompted Junior Miss Jaelynn Anderson and Little Miss Sofia Farmer to do the same. Together they all agreed they loved the sheep show best of all. They had a great time being around the people and touching the sheep.

The girls differed vastly on which carnival ride was their favorite with the Ferris Wheel and the Scrambler their top choices.

When the judges returned Begolka said the scores were narrow making difficult decisions for the judges. She then asked Little Miss Sofia to hand out the awards as they were read off.



In the Junior division first place went to Kristina Morrow.



In the Senior division first place went to Lydia Marie Simpson. You can hear Lydia, her winning song and another song on YouTube https://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=hFQNttJrfB4&list=PLSa-8UranP7PwYdHjC6dAfCyXZ
w3moH5M&index=1

Serving as judges this year were Calob Pluhm (left) and Laurie Hill, who are in music ministry at St. John United Church of Christ. Pluhm teaches music in Mount Pulaski Schools. And Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch.

Begolka noted that Welch does much for the community. Welch is a real community person recently laboring hard on the 'Tiny Home for a Veteran,' and serving on the steering committee for the Balloons over Route 66, which takes place in Lincoln on Aug. 27 - 29.

Also lending assistance with audio setups before, during and after the performances was Brian Boggs of Boggs Audio. The company has provided audio systems for the Logan County Fair for many years. He commented how much he appreciates working with Mike Maske of the fair board.

The Logan County Fair Talent Show is a great place for youth to gain experience and show their talent. Begolka wants to see more youth come out each year as it is a great opportunity to encourage our youth.

Always behind the scenes and not wanting to call attention to herself, Begolka is also a strong supporter of the community and of our youth.

[Jan Youngquist]