CONNEAUT — The setting sun cast shades of blue and pink across the Fourth of July Festival at Lakeview Park as the contestants of the Conneaut Idol singing contest took the stage.
Debby Tisdale, Amber Kissman and Sharon Tredway were the three finalists in Sunday’s competition. The ladies belted out songs above the sounds of festival rides and a crowd ready for the annual fireworks display.
Tisdale, who was the contest runnerup last year, took the top honor with her rendition of Reba MacIntire’s song “Why Haven’t I Heard From You.”
“I had a great experience at Conneaut Idol last year,” Tisdale said. “It was a lot of fun, but also very nerve-wracking.”
While nervous singers and problems with the microphone are common at the yearly Conneaut Idol competition, there were some new twists in the program this year, organizer Marty Landon said.
Keeping true to the “American Idol” pattern, Conneaut Idol included four judges this year and audience members could cast their vote by purchasing tickets for $1 each. The tickets were counted at the end of the competition, as 10 tickets equaled one judging point, Landon said.
“The audience could really sway the judge’s final decision,” Landon said. “The money will go to the charity of the winner’s choice.”
Landon said the contest raised $247, which didn’t influence the judging.
“(Tisdale) would have won without the tickets, but I think it is a great way to get people involved and excited about the competition,” he said.
Tisdale said she will send the ticket money to the Right Track youth program at the Conneaut Human Resources Center.
“I am so glad that the contest includes a way to help local charities,” she said.
The fun was all in the family for Tisdale, who enjoyed her moment in the spotlight even more with the support of her parents, Nancy and Keith Tyree, and sister and brother-in-law Pam and Dave Cox, who drove hours to watch Tisdale perform Sunday.
Tisdale was also supported by her husband, Brad, and their children, Rebecca, 13, Michelle, 11 and Bradley, 9.
“We are just so proud of Debby,” Nancy Tyree said. “When she was small, she was so bashful there was no way we could get her on stage. It is wonderful to see her up there really showing off her talent.”
Tisdale clapped along with friend and Conneaut Idol 2008 winner Pete Petri as he took the stage to sing before he handed over his title.
Tredway took the title of runner up, with Kissman taking third place.
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’Tis Tisdale who captures title during July 4 festival
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