Inaugural High Country Idol Auditions July 18

Story by Corinne Saunders

The Avery County Agricultural and Horticultural Fair is hosting the inaugural High Country Idol, and auditions begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, at Avery County Middle School in Newland.

Open to residents of Avery, Mitchell and Watauga counties, as well as Roan Mountain, Tenn., auditions will be divided into two categories: ages 10 to 17 and ages 18 and up. The entry fee is $20 per person, and each participant must bring, and be ready to sing, one age-appropriate song. All entry fees will benefit the Avery A&H Fair.

“Darlene Carpenter and I organized [High Country Idol as] something fun to draw people to the fair,” said first-year fair board member Shelley Smith.

Although you won’t find Randy, Paula or Simon at the judges’ table, you will see other familiar faces.

“We’ll have three or more judges,” Smith said. “We’re trying to get one [each] from Watauga, Avery and Mitchell counties.”

If needed, auditions and callbacks will also be held Sunday, July 19.

“We’re hoping for at least 100 [participants],” Smith said. “We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback here in Avery County, [so we’re] hoping it catches on in Watauga and Mitchell counties as well.”

The top five performers chosen from each age division on July 18 will perform at the Avery A&H Fair on Thursday, September 3, with the final winners to be announced that same night.

“The [final] winners from each age group will perform [as] the opening act Saturday night at the fair,” Smith said.

The two final winners will also receive prizes from area businesses and have their solo performances broadcasted on WECR and Mountain Television Network.

Avery Middle School is located on Old Montezuma Road, which is off High School Road right off Highway 181 in Newland. Signs will be posted to assist in directions.

The Avery A&H Fair runs from Thursday, September 3, to Saturday, September 5. For more information, call Shelley Smith at 704-640-4166 or email highcountryidol@gmail.com.