By Michael Butler

The Tallassee Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center will be the setting for a talent show in August. The competition will have two winners with two $1,000 prizes.

The event is scheduled for Aug. 9 with two divisions, ages 12-and-up and under-12.

Veronica Harris, who is an airline pilot and lives in Wetumpka, is organizing the event.

“I believe there is talent everywhere,” Harris stated. “What an opportunity to open Mount Vernon to the public for those who don’t know the area to see how beautiful it is.”

Harris said there will be vendors along DuBois Street adjacent to the theater the day of the show.

“We want to make it a community event,” she added. “If you have talent, don’t be shy. I had no idea that I had talent. Somebody came along and saw talent in me.”

Harris holds four Guiness World Records.

“I roller skate, hula hoop and do it backwards. I’m not afraid to fall. I embrace the fall. Falling is an opportunity to get better.”

Harris said she might be persuaded to show off her skills on the stage the day of the event. She also noted another interesting tie to Mount Vernon and – believe it or not – hula hoops.

“One woman met her husband at Mount Vernon at a hula hoop contest 61 years ago.”

Contestants and vendors are encouraged to sign up. There is no registration fee for either. More information is available through the Alabama Has Talent website.