by Rachel Hunter
The 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair officially opened on Tuesday, August 1 at 4 p.m., and crowds came out in great number to witness the great local talent showcased on the grandstand stage.
The Local Talent Show was emceed by Fair Director Sean Peck, who took over the management of both Carlton Peck Band Day and the local talent show in 2022 in memory of his father, Carlton E. Peck (GHS ’63), who was known throughout the North Country and across the nation for his expertise in the field of marching band music and performance. In 1964, Carlton Peck founded the Peck Awards, which is now in its 59th year, in support of the local high school bands. The Carlton Peck Band Day is still thriving under his son Sean Peck’s leadership. (See coverage from the 2023 Carlton Peck Band Day in an upcoming edition.) Carlton Peck also hosted the local talent show for many years. On the opening day of the 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair on Tuesday, Carlton Peck’s spirit and love of performance was felt throughout the 74-minute Local Talent Show. Sean Peck even took the opportunity to do a lip-sync performance of Ray Stevens’ “The Streak” that thrilled the crowd, and said it is something that his father loved to do too.
There was 12 local acts that impressed the crowd with their talented performances. The results of the contest is as follows:
First place in the age category, 3-11 years of age, went to Karissa Hamilton who had an energetic performance of “Redneck Women” by Gretchen Wilson. She was awarded a $75 cash prize.
First place in the age category, 12-16 years of age, went to Nicole White who had an inspiring performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and received a $125 cash prize. Second place and the $75 cash prize went to Sarah Foote for her performance of The Judds’ “Grandpa Tell Me About The Good Ole Days.” Third place and the $50 cash prize went to Marlawna Nicholls who performed Ingrid Andress’ “More Hearts Than Mine.”
In the 17 and above age category, first place and $300 cash prize went to Matt Foote, a vocalist and guitarist who performed Elvis Presley’s “That’s All Right.” Second place and the $200 cash prize went to Madelyn Rowley for her performance of Taylor Swift’s “Mean.” Third place and the $100 cash prize went to Jadelynn Hitchcock for her performance of Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most.” Other participants included Richard Fitzgerald (“Always On My Mind”), Judy Cyrus (“Close To You), Mildred Bendickson (“My Immortal”), Christina Foote (“Concrete Angel”), and Sophia McKeirnan (“Blown Away).
Those who qualified and accepted the opportunity to perform at the New York State Fair includes the following: Karissa Hamilton, Nicole White, Matt Foote, Madelyn Rowley, Jadelynn Hitchcock, and Sarah Foote. Many cheers and words of congratulations were extended to all the participants of the 2023 Local Talent Show. St. Lawrence County residents were encouraged to take part in the Local Talent Show at the 2024 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair. Contact the fair office at 315-287-3010 or visit www.gouverneurfair.net.
North Country residents and visitors were also invited to enjoy the many contests, grandstand events, midway carnival games and rides, concessions and more at the 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair, which runs through Sunday, August 6. The full weekly schedule of events is available at www.gouverneurfair.net.