When Sue Gerrard isn’t cutting hair at her busy Main Street barbershop, she spends much of her time practicing her singing. The two-time defending Osoyoos Idol will return to defend her title at this year’s event, which is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16 in Gyro Park. There were more than 20 singers who entered last year’s competition and organizer Stacy Little is hoping for even more this year. (Keith Lacey file photo)
Osoyoos Idol is returning in one month and anyone who loves to sing – including those who only sing in the shower to those who dream of one day landing a recording contract – are urged to sign up.
The popular singing contest will return to Gyro Park on Saturday, Aug. 16, says organizer Stacy Little, the program co-ordinator for the Better at Home program, which offers programs and services allowing local seniors to live independent lives in their own homes.
This is the fourth-annual Osoyoos Idol that started as a small event at the Osoyoos Seniors Centre into one that attracted several hundred fans last year in Gyro Park.
All proceeds from Osoyoos Idol will go towards Better at Home programs offered in Osoyoos, said Little.
Little has booked talented Matt Stanley and the Decoys to perform before and during the Osoyoos Idol competition.
This is the same band that received such a warm welcome from music fans during their performance at the inaugural Desert Live Music Festival in Osoyoos.
“Matt Stanley and the Decoys will play a set to kick off the competition and will then perform another set at halftime when the judges are tallying up scores,” said Little.
Sue Gerrard, the talented local singer from Osoyoos who has captured the last two Osoyoos idol titles, will be returning to defend her title, said Little.
“She is a very talented singer and performer and we’re thrilled to have her back as hopefully we’ll attract more good singers who will be looking to get her title,” said Little.
Osoyoos Idol will be held on the same day as the second and final day of summer horse racing at Desert Park.
“But I’ve contacted the horse racing people and they’re hoping their event will wrap up around 4 p.m.” she said. “The plan is that people who want to attend both events will be able to do so.”
There were more than 20 competitors at last year’s Osoyoos Idol competition and Little is hoping for the same kind of numbers this year.
Because the bleachers owned by the town will be used at the horse-racing event, Little is encouraging everyone planning to attend Osoyoos Idol to bring a blanket or folding chair.
The Osoyoos Elks Club is also continuing to show support by providing volunteers and equipment to operate a beer garden in Gyro Park during the Osoyoos Idol competition, she said.
For the first time, adults attending the event will be asked to make a small donation towards the Better at Home program as part of the Osoyoos Idol competition, she said.
Once again, there will be a $20 registration fee for singers entering Osoyoos Idol, said Little.
“The fee sort of confirms they are serious about competing and aren’t going to drop out at the last minute, which happened a lot during the first two years,” she said.
The competition has attracted many local singers, but also visiting tourists from Alberta and several from the United States, said Little.
Anyone interesting in entering the 2014 Osoyoos Idol competition can contact Little at 250-495-6925 during office hours.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
