Just Sing
Do you know a child who loves to sing?
The Alliston Potato Festival is overwhelmed with the success of the 2nd annual Just Sing competition in 2023. The contest was open for all youth ages 4-13 in South Simcoe who love to sing, want to meet new friends and gain some experience performing on stage.
We would like to congratulate Olivia Dempsey, our overall winner for the 2023 competition.
Since winning, Olivia has had the opportunity to sing Canada at the Beeton Fair, and Beattie’s Harvest fest and is scheduled to open for Naomi Bristow in 2024 at the Sunday Night Concert Series
Our first year in 2022 we had wonderfully talented local youth participate. It was a blast and such a close competition, but in the end, it was Emilia Lopez from Beeton who took home the grand prize!
In 2023 we had over 15 contestants that joined in the 6-week competition with the finals on the main stage at the Alliston Potato Festival.
Congratulations once again Olivia Dempsey for taking home the title of Just Sing 2023
We can’t wait to see what the shining stars of the South Simcoe area bring us in 2024. Keep watching this page for details for the 2024 Just Sing Competition.
2024- It could be YOU!!
2023- Olivia Dempsey
2022- Emilia Lopez
Talented Local Youth Thrive in Just Sing Contest
Saturday on the main stage in the Beer Gardens over a dozen local youth performed a Rock show for the audience and judges in the “Just Sing” contest finale. Since July, contestants have been performing songs from various genres weekly at the Gibson Centre before a panel of judges. After each performance, they would hear feedback from the judges to help improve their talents and grow their skills as an artist in hopes of winning the title of the “Just Sing” champion.
The kids showed up Saturday morning excited to perform and put on an amazing show for the Potato Festival audience. They had the crowd dancing, cheering and enjoying the great atmosphere. After a very hard decision, the judges announced that Olivia Dempsey was the overall contest winner with Chelsea Gomes winning the 9-13 age category, Emily Alcon winning the 4-8 age category and Cara McMillen winning the most improved singer award.
“This is the second year for the event and we have seen a big increase in participants and interest as it has grown from 6 contestants last year to 17 this year. It’s amazing to watch the kids on stage and see the difference in confidence that only a month can make. We are excited to see the contest grow and to help more youth in the community get out of their comfort zone and sing in front of an audience.”
Sending a special thank you to everyone involved with the organizing of the event. To Tara Giles from Rising Star Music Academy for being so supportive of the kids and a great host. To the judges Heather, Bri, and Gillian from the Gibson Centre who were so kind and gave such positive feedback to the artists. To Dayne from We Love Sound who provided us with great music, lights, and sound for the events. To Beth Wink and Potato Festival for allowing us to continue this event and create amazing memories for these kids. Thank you, everyone, SO much, I can’t wait for next year!
-Contest organizer, Sarah Batchilder