Several hundred people gathered under the Robert Huffman Pavilion at the county park on Saturday night to watch the finals of the 2007 Magical Musical Idol Competition.
The finals had originally been scheduled for July 4 during the Lexington Philharmonic concert. However, torrential rains forced a complete cancellation of the Fourth of July celebration for the first time in it's 17 year history.
Facing nine disappointed contestants, not to mention their family and freinds, and with a $500 prize donated by Graviss McDonald's restaurants still available, the Magical Musical 4th board rescheduled the competition for Aug 18.
This time Mother Nature cooperated by providing beautiful weather as a good crowd turned out to watch and to vote their favorite singer. At the end of the evening, Mathew Castle was named runner-up and Crystal Collins won first place and the $500 cash prize. Both contestants are Versailles natives. Bob Waitkus and Sharon Murphy presented the check on the behalf of McDonalds.
Prior to the event, Versailles City Councilman Owen Roberts presented emcee Ray Holbrook with a resolution from the City of Versailles recognizing his years of service to the Magical Musical 4th event. While the votes were being counted, the McTeggart Irish Dancers performed for the crowd's enjoyment. in voting for their favorite Idol contestant at 25 cents per vote, the audience contributed $1700, which will be donated to the Corporal Nic Dieruf fund. Named in honor of Nic Dieruf, who was killed while serving in Iraq, this non-profit fund aids military families who are experiencing finacial crisis or other distress.
The Magical Musical 4th Board expressed it's appreciation to the contstants and to all those who voted. The Woodford County Fair Board provided the stage and concessons and the Equestrian Limousine Service provided transportaton for the contestants.