Tap Dancer Wins Junior Division of 50th Annual Bill Riley State Fair Talent Search

Shenandoah resident Laura Jean Perry, 14, took first place in the Junior division during the championship round of the 50th Annual Bill Riley Talent Search Competition held Sunday at the 2009 Iowa State Fair.

The tap soloist walked away with $1500 from Casey's General Stores for her performance to "Stomp."

Twelve-year-old Adam Dostalik of Urbandale won $750 for his classical piano solo, "Golliwag's Cakewalk."

Third place and $500 were awarded to Ames' Jonathan Wolf, 11, for his classical violin solo, "Hungarian Dance."

Ben Ahlers, 13, of Fort Dodge earned fourth place honors and $250 for his vocal solo, "To Where You Are."

DeWitt's Maggie Gehlsen, 14, took fifth place honors and $100 for her baton show twirl to a Chicago Medley.

More than 350 acts qualified to compete in this year's Talent Search. Bill Riley, Jr. once again hosted the show.

The senior competition is open to Iowa residents ages 15 through 21. Casey's General Stores awarded more than $15,000 in Junior and Senior divisions combined.

"State Fair Time" ends today. The 2010 Iowa State Fair is set August 12-22. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *