Talent contest to announce top 10 Friday

Published 7:50 pm Monday, October 28, 2019

LaGrange Has Talent voting is coming to a close on Thursday, Oct. 31. 

“We ended up with 23 submissions in such a broad variety,” said Stephanie Preston, the  creator of LaGrange Has Talent. 

From comedians and magicians to musical acts and soloists, LaGrange Has Talent has a variety of different acts to vote on. 

Voting is open to anyone and will conclude at midnight on Thursday. 

“The votes are measured in the amount of contributions, and they are for example $1 equals one vote, $5 equals five votes,” Preston said. “They can vote for as many acts, with as many votes as they want to. You just enter your information one time, and you bill all your votes together.” 

Proceeds from the event benefit Babies Learning on Course for Kindergarten Success (BLOCKS), which focuses on early childhood development and is working to improve access to high-quality early childhood education. The contest is organized by the Magnolia Society, the women’s leadership council of the United Way of West Georgia. 

“We want community members to go online and see the broad array of talent that we have locally, which is always exciting to see,” Preston said. “Then, to support the individual acts is great, but to know that in a small way that they can contribute to the programs that we’re supporting through BLOCKs and help children from birth to age five get ready for kindergarten.” 

The top 10 finalists will be announced Friday, Nov. 1 at Wild Leap Brewery in the courtyard at 6 p.m. The finalists will then take the stage at the Troup High Performing Arts Center Nov. 21. 

According to Preston, adult tickets are $15 and students are $10. Ages five and under are admitted free. Tickets to the event will be available for purchase beginning Nov. 1. 

The website shows each contestant and their submission video linked to the site for easy access. Voting for the top 10 final acts will continue online through an extended period. The overall winner will receive $2,000 and an additional prize of $500 will be awarded to People’s Choice. 

“Donations are tax deductible because you’re making donations to United Way of West Georgia, which is a 501(c)3,” Preston said. 

For more information, tickets and to vote, visit lagrangehastalent.com.