Pianist Named Champion of State Fair Talent Show
August 21, 2011
West Des Moines resident Chelsea Wang, 17, placed first in the Senior division during the championship round of the 52nd Annual Bill Riley Talent Search Competition held Sunday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair.
The pianist walked away with a $7,500 prize from Casey’s General Store for her solo.
Natasha Overturff, 21, of Altoona was awarded second place and $3,500 for her lyrical dance solo.
Third place and $1,500 went to Brooke Lunsford, 17, of Eddyville for her Saxophone and Vocal solo.
Des Moines resident Sam Schulte, 17, placed fourth for his piano solo, and Matt Zittritsch, 17, of Humboldt placed fifth for his tap solo.
Acts competed statewide to qualify for competition in this year’s Talent Search. The championship round took place on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi. Bill Riley, Jr. once again hosted the show.
Casey’s General Stores awarded more than $15,000 to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined.
The 2011 Iowa State Fair “Nothing Compares” ends today. The 2012 Iowa State Fair is set August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.
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