Chamber to present ‘Summer Idol’

DawnDee Bostwick
The Duncan Banner

May 16, 2008 11:30 am

— Fuqua Park will become a stage for aspiring entertainers of all ages this summer when the Duncan Chamber of Commerce presents “Summer Idol” as part of SummerFest 2008.
The sing-your-heart-out competition will pit local talent against one another for the chance to open for the SummerFest headline band.
Chamber President Debra Burch said the competition, new to the event this year, will add some more color and spice to chamber events, in addition to bringing more people out to enjoy the park.
“We’re trying to add a new dimension to the SummerFest and World’s Largest Garage Sale event,” Burch said. “It’s going to add some entertainment to the summer months.”
Unlike “American Idol,” “Summer Idol” won’t be restricted to just soloists.
Duos, groups and bands are all welcome to enter the event. Burch noted that selections may be screened to make sure the content is appropriate for the public, though.
The competition will take place every Friday for a month. One winner will be chosen each week for the first three weeks.
Then, at the last performance, those participants will compete for the number one spot.
However, if there are not enough performers to fill the anticipated four-week time frame, the event could be shortened accordingly, Burch said.
“For the first year, we don’t really know how many people will enter,” she said. “We’re hoping to attract groups outside the Duncan area, as well. We want all different types of genres. We really want to see some variety here.”
Interested individuals or groups can call Laurie Baldwin, Chamber event coordinator, at 580-255-3644.
Participants will be charged an entry fee based on the type of group. Entries are due by May 30.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” Burch said. “We hope the public will support it. We hope there’s a lot of groups out there who want to get their name out.”