Talented dancers score big in the Bill Riley Talent Show

MT. PLEASANT — While a variety of talent was presented, dancers appeared to really impress judges at the Bill Riley Talent Show for the 2022 Henry County Fair.

Senior Competitor Kaelyn Townsley of Winfield and Sprout Competitor Ezra Lemley of New London took home first place in their age categories.

Second place for sprouts was awarded to Aria Lane for her dance number and third to Callie Hudson for her dance, as well.

Second place for seniors was Dancer Courtney Anderson followed by Preston Turner Junior in third with his self-accompanied, acoustic Johnny Cash song.

As the winners were announced and given envelopes, Master of ceremonies Jill Taylor said, “I should mention they all have some nice cash in those envelopes.”

Every participant did receive participation ribbons to honor their bravery in performing on stage.

“I know there are some kids behind me that used an awful lot of courage tonight and got up there and did what they loved and maybe it was a first time,” Taylor said as she prepared to announce the winners. “You put on a wonderful show for everybody. So, congratulations on that.”

Senior division dancer, Townsley is a 14-year-old freshman and is not a stranger to the Bill Riley Talent Show.

“I’ve been to the state fair [for the talent show] since I was 5, except for two years for COVID,” Townsley said.

She has been practicing her “Queen Bee” tap dancing performance since September with the help of her dance instructor at Niki K’s dance studio on the Mt. Pleasant Square.

Six-year-old Ezra Lenley was excited to perform for the Bill Riley Talent show.

From the moment her feet hit the stage, she exploded with energy and spunk, much like her Senior category equal, Townsley.

According to Lenley’s mom Michala, Lenley has practiced her “Hey Mickey” (Mickey Mouse version) for the last eight months.

One of the biggest secrets to Lenley’s spunk comes from those adorable curls on the top of her head.

“They’re fake!” she said to which she and her mother laughed.

Lenley enjoys arts and crafts when she is not working on her dancing with Soul Expression in Mt. Pleasant.

“I don’t think she really knows what is happening,” Lenley’s mother said when the winner looked confused about going to the state fair.

“I’m excited,” Lenley did say.

Every participant did receive participation ribbons.

“I know there are some kids behind me that used an awful lot of courage tonight and got up there and did what they loved and maybe it was a first time,” Master of Ceremonies Jill Taylor said as she prepared to announce the winners.

Close to 100 local qualifying shows are held across Iowa for two age categories Sprouts (2-12) and Seniors (13-21) for the opportunity to perform their talents at the Iowa State Fair.

Competition will become even more fierce as the Talent show will narrow the Sprout category to six performers and the Senior category to nine performers for the Iowa State Fair Championship show.

Henry County is certainly prepared to cheer on their talented young people on this next step of their journeys.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com