Image

Emma Whiting and Lauren Armstrong’s eyes are riveted on a young Highland dancer in the centre of the room.

Norah Stephens, 8, of Petrolia is kicking up her heels in the hopes of gaining a spot in Wyoming’s Got Talent. The competition is in its second year and the organizers – Whiting and Armstrong – take their job of selecting just the right people for the competition very seriously.

Monday, they watched singers and dancers at the Wyoming Fire Hall in the hopes of finding just the right people to make the show a success. The pair will be there again Saturday, listening to those who have already scheduled appointments between 10 am and 4 pm or to prospects who come in at the last minute.

Last year – the show’s inaugural year – Whiting and Armstrong interviewed 20 people for the 10 spots. They’re expecting more applicants this year.

“It’s so hard,” says Whiting. “We see the most beautiful little kids coming through.”

Those little kids will now have a special prize of their own – the Junior Star. “How do you compare little kids with a 20 year old with a guitar who knows what they’re doing?” says Armstrong noting this year there will be four spots for the youngest competitors and six spots for people 16 and over. The prize is $500.

While the pair have set audition times, they’re willing to work with people who aren’t available Saturday saying they have gone to watch potential contestants while they were on stage in the area. They’ve also taken YouTube entries. “We’re pretty flexible.”

The main competition is Sept. 19 during the Plympton Wyoming Fall Fair.

Share This

Image
Front Page

Greenhill Gardens closed; upkeep of six-acre garden ‘challenging’

June 16, 2025

The Independent Greenhill Gardens – a once privately-owned oasis in Wilkesport – is closed to the public. That from the St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation which took over the grounds in 2024. The gardens were cultivated by Joy Robson for years and her husband, Bill, allowed people to come and walk through the gardens for free. After the death of

Read More

Image
Front Page

Thedford EMS changes years away

June 15, 2025

The Independent Thedford residents won’t be losing their ambulance station for some time. That from Lambton County officials. Last month, Lambton Shores councillors voiced concern about a county plan which would close the Thedford station and have Forest paramedics to cover their calls. Lambton EMS also plans to move the Grand Bend station near Pinery Park hoping to provide better

Read More

Image
Front Page

No ATV rally for Petrolia Ag Society

June 15, 2025

The Independent There will not be ATVs rumbling through Petrolia this summer. Kelly Humphrey of the Petrolia Enniskillen Agricultural Society came to council in mid-May asking if PEAS could host an ATV rally with Greenwood Park as a starting and finishing point and using Petrolia streets to get to the starting and finishing point.  Julie Bullock, director of parks and

Read More

Image
Front Page

Fair banner may not fly

June 14, 2025

The Independent The Moore Agricultural Society has some big plans for the 175th anniversary of the Brigden Fair. But not all of their plans may work out. The ag society has asked for and received several approvals from St. Clair Township council for special events at the landmark fair including allowing a low-level Canadian Armed Forces Flyby and helicopter landings

Read More