The lights are on, and the stage is almost set, offering a chance for the public to shine in the Airway Heights spotlight and put their talent on display.
As part of the Airway Heights Festival next month, residents can compete in the first annual “Airway’s Got Talent” show. Organizer Jacob Powers was looking for something to add to the upcoming festival in hopes of keeping families and visitors in town through the evening. A car show, watermelon races and various music acts draw big crowds to Airway Heights throughout both days of the festival.
That’s when the idea for “Airway’s Got Talent” was born.
Just like the popular TV show “America’s Got Talent,” this version is seeking out residents of Airway Heights who have a talent to show. Whether it’s singing, playing an instrument, dancing, performing illusions or anything entertaining, it’s open to the public. Out of the total applicants, 20 will get the chance to compete for a $500 grand prize.
Airway Heights’ Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the event and providing the prize money.
The main goal of the event is simple: for residents to enjoy time together as a community and see some neighbors.
“It’s the first time we’ve done it, so we didn’t get a lot of time building up for it,” Powers said.
While there was a bit of a time crunch this year, the Kiwanis Club is already gearing up for the event next year.
Contestants face a first round tryout session Saturday, Aug. 3 where the top 20 will move on to a first round two-minute performance Friday, Aug. 23. Festival attendees and judges will then vote for the top 10 performers, who will return the next day, where they can expand their performance to five minutes. The cost to apply is a flat $10 fee, which goes for individuals or groups.
“I think what we want to continue by doing events like this is to know there’s a community in Airway Heights,” Powers said. “A growing community.”
The event will utilize a voting system where audience members can text their vote to a number provided during the show. Votes will be tallied after a few moments and, along with the judges’ input, will determine whether or not a contestant advances in the competition.
Just like the TV show, there will be three judges. A couple of the spots are still being finalized, but each will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition to the show itself, Powers said there will be plenty of audience participation in between contestants. Prizes and special gifts will be given away in the style of another game show, “Minute to Win It,” where audience members will have one minute to perform a feat of some kind.
“We’re getting the crowd to participate, giving out some T-shirts and prizes,” Powers said.
The registration deadline is coming up quick, but applications are accepted until Saturday, Aug. 3. Applicants can register online at airwaysgottalent.eventbrite.com, where all of the event’s details are located.
James Eik can be reached at james@cheneyfreepress.com.
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