Twenty years of down-home fun

By RICHARD A. ROSS

HORTONVILLE, NY -- For the 20th consecutive year, the Hortonville Talent Show provided its audience with a plethora of diverse acts. This year’s array ranged from a tiny violinist to a veteran opera singer. Opening the show, diminutive Amelia Brooks serenaded all with her violin rendition of “Go Tell Aunt Rhody.” Before the night was over guitarists, singers, Civil War re-enactors, a trumpet player and a veteran virtuoso of the pen had performed for an enthusiastic crowd that included many newcomers brought to the show by word of mouth.

From the standpoint of this writer, who has served as Master of Ceremonies for 19 of the past 20 years, this show was one of the best ever. Outstanding performances were turned in by Zach Rettoun on guitar and vocals, Harris Myers on trumpet, the singing of Walter Egner, the ethereal voice of Tiff Roosevelt accompanied by Joe Tompkins and the delightful duo of Kathy Aleschus and Marilyn Rabenhorst. All of the other acts were terrific as well.

Organized yet again by Jane Orcutt, this year’s talent show had a special mission, namely to raise money for Sullivan County’s Habitat for Humanity. The show raised close to $500 dollars for that most worthy cause.