Brighton talent show to kick off Whoopee Days

BRIGHTON — Brighton will once again host a Bill Riley Talent Show this Friday. Organizers say the annual event has been a tradition in town for over 50 years.

The talent show, at 7 p.m. June 17 at the park’s band shell, serves as an opener for Brighton’s Whoopee Days the same weekend.

“It’s dance, it’s singing, it’s instruments, it’s a full-blown talent show,” Show Coordinator Tympest Hora said. “The first time I did the talent show I was two, and I don’t know how long they would have had it before that … my mom actually was the one who was in charge of it all while I was growing up.”

Hora, who owns a dance studio in Fairfield, said it was an important opportunity for those in the area.

“Dance is what I did my whole life, and I loved that these shows were offered all over not just the state of Iowa but specifically in our area,” she said. “As a kid, it’s really hard to go and perform places and not have to pay to perform or pay to observe. I think it’s just good for the performing arts in general, the audience can come and they get a free show, and it gives these kids a chance to perform.”

The program has two divisions: “sprouts,” ages 2-12, and seniors, ages 13-21. Winners of each division at each contest go to the state fair, where they compete with the best of the best. The contest’s senior division winner last year went home with a $10,000 prize.

Hora said Brighton’s show tended on the smaller size, but averaged around 10 acts in each division. Those interested can contact her for registration, at 319-461-6684 or hightempdance@gmail.com.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com