Kane County Fair talent show winner Nicole DiSandro, 14, of Elburn has won first place in the Junior Competition at the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fair (IAAF) talent contest. The event was held Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield.

DiSandro performed her theatrical vocal solo, Gimme Gimme from Thoroughly Modern Millie, which she also performed at the Kane County Fair Talent Contest in July for her award-winning performance. DiSandro competed against 36 other acts to win the first place prize, a trophy and monetary award.

Because she won first place, DiSandro will perform at the Illinois State Fair, which runs Aug. 8-19, 2013, in Springfield.

Eric Luminais, 19, of Geneva earned a strong seventh place in the Senior Division for his unconventional and complicated flute solo titled Three Beats for Beatbox Flute, Beats 1 & 2. His seventh place faired very well as one of the 37 other acts in the Senior Division.

“All of us from the Kane County Fair were very pleased to see our talent shine during this competition in Springfield,” said Larry Rossi, RPM Creative Music, long-time coordinator of the Kane County Fair Talent Contest. “It shows the tremendous amount of talent throughout the entire state and how our young people in Kane County are among the very best.”

George Fewkes, IAAF president, says, “The IAAF really appreciates all of the excellent local talent. This competition showcases our youth and was a highlight during this 103^rd annual convention. The state winners will be performing at the Illinois State Fair.”

The Kane County Fair Talent Contest is open to any person or group (school/organization) residing in Kane County. More details about the 2013 Kane County Fair Talent Contest auditions will be available soon. Auditions are usually held in June and the Kane County Fair will be held on July 17-21, 2013.

For more information and how to enter future contests please contact Larry Rossi at (847) 622-9935 or email: KaneCoTalent@aol.com.