Poland plans a party

By Denise Dick

The committee is hoping for contributions to help cover costs.

POLAND — Aspiring singers will have the chance to share their talents before the community and a panel of judges this summer.

Simon Cowell isn’t invited.

“Poland Idol” is just one event planned as part of Celebrate Poland, June 27 and 28 in the village.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. June 27 with a parade that runs along state Route 170 to the center of the village. A disc jockey, concessions and wood crafts for kids by Home Depot, followed by a fireworks display, round out the first day’s activities.

The fun continues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 28 with the Idol contest, a craft show and a chalk art contest for children.

While the event is two months away, committee organizers are hoping people will contribute to help cover costs of fireworks, port-a-johns, electricity and other items.

“We’re looking for donations from local businesses and individuals also,” said Jeff McCreery, one of the committee members.

Anyone who wants to help may call McCreery at (330) 502-3600 or John Yerian at (330) 757-9640. People may also call McCreery or Yerian to register for the Poland Idol contest or craft show.

This marks the first year for a two-day event, an expansion of Independence Day activities from previous years that covered one day.

The Celebrate Poland committee formed last year and includes members of Town One Streetscapes, the Poland Firemen’s Association and other individuals. Streetscapes in the committee’s fiscal agent.

They conducted a community meeting early this year to determine if people were interested in a two-day celebration, McCreery said.

“It turned out there were a bunch of people,” he said.

Participants in the Idol contest will be divided into different age categories.

“It’s going to be just like ‘American Idol,’ a singing contest,” said Cindy Best, the contest organizer.

Children and teens will compete with others in their age group. There is also a category for adults.

A $15 fee will be charged and participants must register before the contest.

Singers will perform in the gazebo at village hall.

“They need to come prepared,” Best said.

Contestants won’t be permitted to use a music compact disc where they attempt to sing over or along with the prerecorded singer.

“We want to hear their voices,” Best said.

A panel of three judges, each with a musical or performance background, will determine the winners. One distinction between the television and Poland versions: the Poland contest won’t feature a tactless British guy.

“I think all of our judges will be nice,” the organizer said.

Prizes including recording sessions will be awarded.

Idol, like the rest of Celebrate Poland attractions, is open to people from across the Valley, not just Poland.

“We know we have tremendous talent in this Valley,” Best said.