Roberts idols compete in Lions Club contest

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The Roberts Lions Club is hosting Roberts Idol on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in the elementary gym. Admission is one food shelf donation.

The idea came to Lion Mark Morgen this past summer, he said. While on a vacation, he saw a front page newspaper story about their “Idol” contest.

“I brought the idea to the club,” Morgen said. “I thought it’d be fun to do.”

Morgen pitched the idea to be a winter event.

“There’s not much else going on in the winter,” he said. Roberts Idol in the winter would be fun family entertainment to fill one of those long nights, he said.

It’s not a typical event for the Lions either. There will be no alcohol, and it won’t raise funds for the club. Rather, all food donations will go to the area food shelf, Morgen said.

Talent in the show is not limited to singing, although most of the nearly 10 performers currently signed up will be crooning. Some of the other acts so far include jumping rope and playing instruments.

“It’s a pretty good mix,” Morgen said. Ages range from adults in the community to elementary aged kids.

Cost to perform is $5, and talent should live in the St. Croix Central School District. Neither of the requirements is too strict though, Morgen added in the same breath.

Contestants will be under the scrutiny of three judges, similar to the “American Idol” format. They won’t be as tough, Morgen assured.

“It (judging) is much more in fun,” he said.

The show will be emceed by Gene Hanson, who is known for his lively commentary and quick wit during the Miss Roberts pageants.

The favorite contestants will be awarded prizes.

“It won’t be anything too big, just a little something for their trouble,” Morgen said.

Refreshments will be sold in the cafeteria for a minimal cost.

There’s no limit to the number of performers.

“It’d be great if we had to worry about that,” Morgen said. “The more the better.”

To register to perform or for more information call Mark Morgen at 749-4106 or e-mail mark@morgen.us, Matt at 749-4560 or Geno at 749-3516.

Tags: lions club, roberts, idol, 21feb