Robbinsville – More than $9,333 was raised – and four talented vocalists and one talented dancer were recognized – during the first-ever “Graham County’s Got Talent” event Saturday, which served as a fundraiser for the Graham Cancer Support Group.
The Robbinsville High School Auditorium was packed nearly to capacity on Saturday for the event, which started with a $10-per-plate spaghetti dinner and ended with the $5-per-ticket talent show ($2 for children).
There were 24 performances by 17 performers. Categories were Pop, Instrumental, Dance (a new category with just one contestant), Country/Bluegrass, and Gospel. Judges were Robbinsville High School Band Director Amber Watkins, Graham Star Publisher/Editor Kevin Hensley, and musicians Slade Trammel and Dr. Sophie Wang, who teaches at Mississippi State University.
Three of the four judges performed Saturday, as well. Hensley declined to perform, with the church choir member saying afterward that he was “not the best singer.”
And the winners were: Helen Ward, pop; Ariana Roberts, dance; Tracy Kirkpatrick, instrumental; Gage Hill, country/bluegrass; and Megan Brooks, gospel.
Performances kept Graham County’s strong music heritage in full health during the show and the event itself put the county’s generosity on full display.
Numerous cakes were sold off during a silent auction throughout the evening, with select cakes sold off during live auctions during breaks in performances. Two cakes went to high bidders for $200 each and a quilt handmade by Nancy Brooks went for $325. A 50/50 raffle grossed $1,174, with raffle winner County Commissioner Jacob Nelms donating his winnings back to the support group.
Video of the show can be viewed on The Graham Star’s YouTube page.