Spring River’s Got Talent ‘22 held at the Hardy Civic Center on September 17 was a huge success with about 150 people in attendance with eleven competitiors, announced Kari Hollis, executive director of the Spring River Area Chamber of Commerce. The event was organized by the SRACC and the Arts Center of North Arkansas (ACNA).
The winners in the adult category were Denise Golden, First Place ($1,000) who sang “At Last” by Etta James; Valerie Conforth, Second Place ($500) who sang “The Joke” by Belinda Carlisle, and the Band FATE won Third Place ($250) who played and sang an original song called “Don’t Pass Me By”. Members of Fate include Bruce Womble, Mike Snow and John Brown.
The youth winners received both money and a trophy. The First Place winner ($125) was 11 year old Zaden J Gallion who sang and danced to “Jail House Rock” by Elvis Presley: Noel Melito, 16, won Second Place ($100)) and sang “Riptide” by Vance Joy while playing the ukulele. Carl Raines, 15 won Third Place ($75) sang “Must’ve Never Met You” by Luke Combs.
The other contestants not mentioned but all put on a fabulous performance include: Alyssa Cooper sang “All I Ask” by Adele; Rebecca Helton sang “Gunpowder & Lead” by Miranda Lambert; Mitch Kaubish sang and played keyboards to “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” by Simon & Garfunkel; Ashlyn Rose sang “Piece of My Heart” by Janice Joplin, and the band Regal Honey with Jessie Orr, Cassie Allen and Creed Edgar sang and played an original song “Another Day Closer to Madness.”
“We would really like to commend all of the performers who created a fabulous 2-hour concert for our community,” said Hollis. “Each contestant did a great job and we hope they come back next year. One of the highlights was our winner, Denise Golden, announcing that she was going to donate her winnings to her church, ACNA, and St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital. This was certainly not expected but appreciated. Proceeds from the event this year will go to ACNA, and future events will be split between the two organizations.”
In addition to the competition, there was a silent auction with donated art and other items from members of the SRACC and ACNA. Original art from ACNA members were on display and available for sale, and an art contest to creatively spell out “Spring River’s Got Talent” was won by Barbara Smock with a captivating rabbit painting.
If you want to be on the contact list for next year’s event please email: [email protected]