By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY
christopher.tuffley@newssun.com
SEBRING -- As the News-Sun reported last October, the Heartland Idol has a new home at the Highlands Family YMCA.
"The Y contacted us. Once we saw the place we went, 'Wow'," said Diana Walker, the founder of the Heartland Idol talent contest. Performances will be held in the basketball pavilion.
This is the third venue for the popular talent show that attracts local singers and those from outside the county.
Born on the Historic Circle, the multiple day event dealt with problems in scheduling and bad weather from its beginning. Reluctantly, organizers quit the park as a venue.
In 2011, Idol was held at the Highlands County Convention Center as part of the county fair. People, however, were disappointed it was only a two-day event.
This year the fair and Heartland Idol had conflicting dates, Walker said, besides, the Idol really wanted a permanent home.
"This is why the agreement with the Y is such a relief. We're not homeless anymore," Walker said.
The organizers decided on another change and moved the event to February and March. "There will be no rain delays," Walker said, "and it might not be as hot."
"We're still sticking to Thursday evenings," Walker added. "The Idol Cafe will remain open, and it's still bring-your-own-lawn- chair," she said.
Idol will start accepting participant applications on Monday. Go to Keiber Law Offices at 129 S. Commerce Ave. in Sebring, and ask for Debbie Latimer. There is a $10 entrance fee.
The contest itself begins Feb. 7.
A phone line will be opened soon. In the meantime, contact Walker by email at diana_party4U@live.com.
There are three age divisions: adult, 18 and up; teen, 13-17; and junior, 12 and younger.
A one-day senior contest is held for those 60 and older.
Friday, January 11, 2013 - www.newssun.com/011113-ct-Idol