Byram to seek its very own American Idol on July 12

Byram - Byram will soon be looking for its very own “American Idols.” The Byram Talent Search, open to Byram residents only, will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, at the Byram Civic Center, 55 Lackawanna Drive in Byram. The event is sponsored by the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council and the Byram Parks and Recreation Dept, Byram residents can compete in three divisions: children up to nine years old; juniors ages 10-15; and adults ages 16 years and over. Proof of age will be required in the form of a birth certificate shown at time of registration. No one under age 16 may compete without submitting a birth certificate at registration. In addition, proof of residency is required. A bill addressed to the home address of the entrant, a driver’s license or a passport must be submitted at time of registration. Residents may be professional, semi-professional or amateur. Individuals and groups are eligible; however, in any group act, one person must be a Byram resident. Acts must be limited to a maximum of five minutes with a maximum three minute set-up time and three minute break-down time. A microphone, electrical power and a cassette/CD player will be provided. Please bring your own additional equipment. All contestants must check in at the Civic Center by 6:30 p.m. on July 12. Judging will be on stage presence, general appearance, technical competence, degree of difficulty of material and originality/entertainment value. First -lace winners in each division will be eligible to compete in the 25th annual Sussex County Talent Day to be held at the N.J. State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show in August. They will also be featured performers at the Byram Day celebration in September. For more information or to pick up an entry form, call 973-347-2500, ext. 160/161 or visit the Byram Parks and Recreation Dept., 10 Mansfield Drive in Byram, any weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Completed entry forms, along with proof of age and residency, may be mailed or dropped off in person at the Byram recreation office. All entries must be received by Friday, July 7.