Morgan Fast sings and plays piano during the Centralia Chehalis Soroptimist and Kiwanis 2016 Talent Show at the Fox Theatre.
Christian Burke and Gage Llewellyn perform a duet of Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" Saturday during the Centralia Chehalis Soroptimist and Kiwanis 2016 Talent Show at the Fox Theatre.
Sisters Sadie and Aliya Mecham perform a gymnastics routine to the song "Under the Sea" from "The Little Mermaid" Saturday during the Centralia Chehalis Soroptimist and Kiwanis 2016 Talent Show at the Fox Theatre.
Sisters Sadie and Aliya Mecham perform a gymnastics routine to the song "Under the Sea" from "The Little Mermaid" Saturday during the Centralia Chehalis Soroptimist and Kiwanis 2016 Talent Show at the Fox Theatre.
Sadie Brown performs Saturday during the Centralia Chehalis Soroptimist and Kiwanis 2016 Talent Show at the Fox Theatre.
The youth of Lewis County showcased just how talented they are Saturday night at the Fox Theatre — often to enthusiastic applause from their family, friends and community members.
“I’m excited every year,” said event co-chair Donna Karvia. “It’s just the opportunity to show people … we have so many talented kids.”
Twenty acts performed Saturday evening at the Centralia-Chehalis Soroptimist and Kiwanis clubs’ 2016 Youth Talent Show at the Fox Theatre in Centralia.
While there is only room for 20 finalists at the annual talent show, Karvia, of the Soroptimist Club, said about 40 students auditioned for the event.
“This is the most diverse group we’ve ever had,” Karvia said. “We also have the widest distribution of schools represented this year.”
Lily Morgan, in the ages nine to 13 group, recited the Gettysburg Address while dressed as Abraham Lincoln — minus the beard.
Grace Morgan performed a Scottish Sword Dance and sisters Sadie and Aliya Mecham, in the eight and younger group, did a gymnastics routine to the song “Under the Sea,” from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” Other students up to age 18 played piano and guitar, sang and danced to the delight of their friends and family in the audience.
The winners of the talent show in three categories — up to eight years, nine to 13 years and 14 to 18 years — got $250. Second place got $100 and third place got $50.
This year’s judges were Cameron Beierle, Candace Ash, Jerry Owens and Jeremy Wildhaber. Scott White and Edie Kay were the masters of ceremonies.
Miss Lewis County Bailey Peters and Little Miss Friendly Rachel Gray also attended the event.
“I don’t think there’s any similar forum for the general community to showcase young talent,” said Bob Holland, event co-chair from the Kiwanis club.
The talent show was organized by the Kiwanis Club for many years. This year’s talent show was the fourth since the Soroptimist and Kiwanis clubs joined forces to put on the show, Karvia said.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to support the restoration of the Fox Theatre,” Karvia said. “It also gives the kids a chance to perform on a stage … with professional lights and a professional sound system.”
The clubs donated $1,500 to the Fox Theatre’s restoration fund in exchange for using the theatre for the performance and dress rehearsal.
