DENNISON Kimberly Wrae, 28, won the Dennison Railroad Festival Talent Show Thursday evening with her song “You’re Looking at Country.” Wrae, from Newcomerstown, said she was taken by surprise.
“I’m stunned!” she said, while holding on to her first place prize of $100. “But I’m so proud. There was a lot of competition.”
Taking second place was Sami Krocker, of Goshen. Krocker sang “No One Else” from the musical, “Great Comet of 1812”.
“It’s a crazy musical based in Russia,” noted Krocker, 15, who is a junior this fall at Indian Valley High School. She received $75 for her efforts. “Music is my life,” added Krocker. “I play snare in marching band, sing in choir and our a capella group Test 31 and I’m in drama club.”
Wrae and Krocker were in good company as a total of 10 contestants performed at the gazebo stage under sunny skies. Performances included a comedy routine by Martin Drexler, of New Philadelphia. Drexler, 45, is a math teacher and used his career to poke fun at himself. He was well received by the large audience. Jerome Tucker did a robotic style dance to much applause. Four judges were taxed with the job of picking the top two finishers. They were Amy Devore, Mary Scott and Karen Morrison, all of Uhrichsville and Linda Fox, of New Philadelphia. Troy Milburn served as DJ and emcee for the evening. Uhrichsville Moose #740 sponsored the event.
Midway through the program, the Junior Parade Marshals were announced. They were Lance Smith, 9, a second grader at St. Mary’s and Elah Davis, 8, a second grader at Claymont Elementary. Each won a coloring contest sponsored by Pangrazio’s Pizza & Spaghetti House. They received a goody bag and will be riding a float in today’s 39th annual Barb Maurer Parade that steps off at 5 p.m., from the Claymont Jr. High School.