Bring on the talent

While many people were attending the Homecoming festival Saturday, taking part in or watching the talent show, I had the opportunity to judge a different talent show ... one more for fun than anything else.

To raise money for Old Man Rivers Mission and to help restock the food bank at First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, on Washington Street, the church had it first in what it hopes will be an annual talent show involving church members, family and friends.

Rev. Janice Hill had invited me, Parkersburg Mayor Bob Newell and Mike Conrad, director of Old Man Rivers, to judge the evening's entertainment. Due to the Homecoming festivities, Newell declined the invitation, Hill said, leaving me and Mike to score the 12 or so acts and name a winner for the ribbons and "joke" trophies.

There were a couple of comedians, poets, singers, a family circus act, a very loud whistler -- who I thought was going to shatter windows -- poets and storytellers among those brave enough to get up on stage to face the audience for fun and post-dinner entertainment.

It's been a long time since I judged something just for fun ... and fun was the name of the game Saturday night at First Christian Church. Everyone who performed, as well as the minister and those in the audience, took part in the evening's activities.

It was a very enjoyable evening and one I'm glad I had the opportunity to attend.