By Aaron Hall – Daily Post Editor

Local youth will be gracing the stage at the sixth annual running of Wheatley Idol, which is taking place Sunday, August 2 at the Two Creeks Conservation Area in Wheatley.

Organizer of the event Darla Janzen told the Chatham-Kent Daily Post that the talent competition, which was started by the Wheatley Optimists, has grown every year since its inception.

“It has become really popular,” Janzen said. “It is a great opportunity for the kids to showcase their talent and build their confidence as well. It’s the best to see the kids get up on the stage and in front of the crowd.”

The singing competition is broken down into four age categories (6-9, 10-12,13-16, and 17-29) and includes “celebrity judges” who determine the winners out of the 40 registered contestants.

Janzen said registration to compete in the event is now closed, as the 40 spots filled up quickly.

“We credit our website a lot for helping spread the word,” Janzen said of the contestants, who hail from the Wheatley area and as far as Windsor and London. “Kid’s are so savvy when it comes to being online.”

The celebrity judges include local recording artist, singer/songwriter Crystal Gage, Country 92.7 CJSP, morning host Cordell Green, recording artist, singer/songwriter Julie Kryk and James Staley the 2008 Wheatley Idol overall winner.

Janzen said some of the judges will be providing special guest performances as well.

With countless volunteers, prize sponsors and community partnerships, Janzen credits all of these for the success of the annual event.

“Everybody does their part and we have a lot of great support,” she said.

Janzen said a large crowd is anticipated for the event as well.

“Last year we had 340, so if we can reach that 400 mark… I’d be really happy,” she said. “We’ve tried to put a bit of everything into it, so it’s appealing to everybody.”

Admission to the event is free, and donations are being accepted. Food from the Wheatley Scouts will be for sale and Mix 96.7 Radio out of Leamington will be on hand during the event to give out free swag.

Janzen said she is excited to have some of the winners from the 2008 Tomato Idol competition in Leamington performing during the event, something she called “a unique partnership.”

Janzen said preparations for the event are going “smooth” and the list of the contestants should be announced shortly.

Wheatley Idol is a part of the annual Wheatley Fish Festival, which takes place the Civic Holiday Weekend on July 31, August 1 and August 2.

Check out the Wheatley Idol website for more details.