Clark, Hershberger, show Nappanee has talent

July 19, 2011

Rachel Clark won overall for her skills doing tricks while spinning a hula hoop. Here she attempts to twirl nine hoops around her frame. Photo by Angel Perkins

NAPPANEE — Like the popular television show “America’s Got Talent,” Nappanee showed off its talented populace during the similarly-named contest held July 4 at Stauffer Park. Sponsored by Downie (Chevrolet) Auto Sales and hosted by emcee Mike Stanifer of TNT Entertainment, 17 acts with 19 contestants sang, danced, played guitar or hula-hooped their way across the stage in front of a large crowd of enthusiastic fans and spectators. Rachel Clark, 10, showed she can hoop with the best of them by winning overall after three judges (Stephen Phillips of the Nappanee Civic Theater, Tina Kessinger and Ruston Chuchill) selected her based on a number of factors including the performance, interaction with the crowd, and appearance. During the song, “The Peppermint Twist” Clark wriggled, hopped, kicked, spun, and jumped, all while keeping the hoop twirling — sometimes around her neck or arm — which led master of ceremonies Stanifer to challenge her to maneuver nine of the hoops at once. She accepted though was not as successful as she was with just one. She said she had never taken lessons but had taught herself and had been practicing the talent for about six years. She received a $75 cash prize.
Second place winner was Todd Hershberger who won $25 for his singing performance of The Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands to Yourself,” which got the crowd clapping, dancing and singing along. He won a $25 prize.
Stanifer said he hoped to offer the contest again next year and thanked all the talented residents that participated.