By ESTHER SMITH
News staff writer
August 3, 2005
Pity the poor judges at the Hood River County Fair’s talent show last week, where, in the youth division, five brave young girls took turns singing for the three prize spots.
The opening act was Kirsten Lane, who not only had to sing first but also chose to sing a cappella. Dressed in red, white and blue, Kirsten sang the “Star Spangled Banner” with confidence and pride.
Next up was Jessamyn Duckwall, a 4th-grader at Westside Elementary School, who sang Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway” to the recorded music.
Lauren Gray, a Parkdale Elementary School student, wore a poodle skirt and headband to bring the proper 1950s flavor to her rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” from the musical “Grease.”
Another gutsy a cappella performer was Amy White, a 3rd-grader who has sung in her church choir since she was 3, and sang her first solo at 4. Her chosen piece was “Amazing Grace.”
Last, but certainly not least, in the youth division was Makenzie Bassham, 11, who sang her first solo at age 7 for her cousin’s wedding. She wore a red cowgirl outfit to go with her version of Sara Evans’ current hit, “Suds in a Bucket.”
The adult division consisted of three contestants, perhaps making the judges’ jobs easier since none of them would leave without a prize. Leslie Sullivan, who teaches band and choir at Horizon Christian School, chose to sing “I Don’t Want to Go,” by Avalon. Following her was Becky Huskey, who clogged her way through Gwen Stefani’s “Rich Girl.” And finishing the contest was Joel Valle, going into his senior year at Hood River Valley High School, who sang James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” and played guitar.
As the girls waited on stage for the judges’ decision, announcer Terina Neal asked them what they might do with the cash prize.
“Naturally we hope you’ll spend it at the fair,” she joked.
“I’m going to buy a cell phone!” said Makenzie without hesitation.
“Clothes — and the fair,” answered Kirsten, perhaps somewhat influenced by Neal’s comment.
“I have absolutely, positively, no idea!” admitted Lauren.
The suspense was over when Neal announced that, in the youth category, Makenzie had taken first prize, $200 cash; Lauren received second, $100; and Jessamyn took third place for $75. In the adult division, Valle received the $200 first prize; Sullivan was awarded second, and Huskey won third.
One of the first things Makenzie did after the announcement was to make a quick call — on a borrowed cell phone — to her father, a wrestling coach at HRVHS, who was in Fargo, N.D., with the wrestling team.
As for Valle, he said this was his first win.
“I really hope to make it a career — I want to be a singer, songwriter and composer,” he said.
Since winners can compete at the state fair’s talent contest, where according to Neal there will be talent scouts, perhaps that will be just the break he needs.
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