NEWS

Fockler defends title at Tusky Days Talent Show

Cindy Davis
Times-Reporter correspondent
Belle Fockler sings “Don’t Rain on my Parade” to take first prize at Tusky Days Festival.

TUSCARAWAS — Belle Fockler, 17, of Dover won the Tusky Days Talent Show with her performance of "Don't Rain on My Parade," from the Broadway hit, "Funny Girl." Going into her senior year at Dover High School, Fockler said she will most likely spend her $75 prize at a thrift store.

"I love to shop at Thrift Stores, mostly Goodwill. I look for jeans and shoes," she noted. Fockeler says she enjoys participating in the local talent shows. "Performing is my one true passion," she said.

She won first prize in last year's show as well by singing "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend."

Isla Dotts, 9, of Stonecreek, took second place and a prize of $50. She accompanied herself on the guitar while singing "Cracker Jack," by Dolly Parton. She has only been playing the guitar for about six months and hasn't taken lessons.

"I got the guitar for my birthday."she said. "My Dad has one so I always wanted to try it. He helps me with my chords but I haven't had any lessons." Dotts explained that she has always been inspired by Dolly Parton and usually sings "Joleen" but wanted to try something else for the contest.

Lily Johnson, 14, of New Philadelphia, sang "Dead Mom," from Beetlejuice the Musical, to take third place and $25.

"I found this song while listening to music in the shower," Johnson said of her offbeat performance. "I think this song touches a lot of people's hearts." She is planning to save her winnings. She will be a freshman at Indian Valley High School in the fall.

Judges for the event were Melanie Quillen, a hair stylist at Back to my Roots; Shana Reichman, of Reichman Plumbing and Linda Carpenter, of Dover Phila Credit Union. All reside in Tuscarawas. They received flowers for serving as judges.

Marc Davis was emcee for the day and Hitchcock Sound provided the stage and all necessary sound equipment. Numbers were drawn prior to the announcement of winners for door prizes. Each contestant was able to pick two prizes which included hair accessories, nail polish, a journal, can koozies, candy, gum ball machine and games. 

Davis sang "Under the Bridge," by Red Hot Chili Peppers, while judges were tabulating the scores of the six contestants. "There was a lot of good talent," said Davis. "I know some of them hadn't been doing their talent for very long and I was very impressed with how they performed. I'm looking forward to a bigger and better show next year."

Sponsoring the show were Reichman Plumbing, Dover-Phila Credit Union, Olde Towne Tavern and Dover-Phila Kids Club. Also special thanks went to Joyce Walton, who owns the Corner Tavern, for providing electricity to the stage.

Isla Dotts sings "Animal Crackers" by Dolly Parton to take second place.
Lily Johnson (left), 14, of New Philadelphia took third place at the Tusky Days talent show, while Isla Dotts, 9, of Stonecreek, was second. In first place was Belle Fockler, 17, of Dover.