WEIRTON - This Fourth of July area singers can put their pipes to the test as the city's holiday festivities are set to include the Summerfest Sing-off.
The newly dubbed Summerfest will take place July 4 in downtown Weirton. The annual festival previously was known as the Renaissance Weirton Festival.
This year's festival, organized by Renaissance Weirton, will mark the return of the singing contest, Weir's the Mic. Re-named Summerfest Sing-off, event coordinator Deb Witkowski will once again act as the master of ceremonies for the competition.
Witkowski said the contest will be open to three age groups: 12 and under, 13 through 18 and over 18. She said contestants will have 2 1/2 minutes to perform with karaoke tracks or a cappella and three judges will rate using a point system that includes one to 80 points for vocal ability, one to 15 for stage presence and entertainment quality and one to five for overall appearance.
"We are also going to get the crowd involved to act as a fourth judge that will be factored into the overall score as well," said Witkowski.
Contestants must be present in the Weirton Room at the Millsop Community Center by 1 p.m. on the day of the competition. Participants must bring a karaoke mix CD without lead vocals. No musical instrument accompaniment will be permitted and a cappella is welcome.
Participants will be competing for first, second and third place and have an opportunity to win $125, $75 or $50 for each age group. Applications for the competition are available at the Weirton Municipal Building at the Mayor's Office and must be returned with CD by June 29.
(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)
