Flagfest Youth Ambassador search under way

(File photo) Liz Taylor, the 2009 Flagfest Youth Ambassador, performs during last year's ceremony. The search is on for 2010 Ambassador candidates. [Click to enlarge]

The 26th annual summer festival Flagfest will include a variety of activities, including the selection of the Flagfest Youth Ambassador. Applications are being accepted from area youths interested in participating in the competition. If selected the 2010 Flagfest Youth Ambassador, the youth will represent Spencer and the surrounding area during various events, including Flagfest, Ag Outlook Ag Breakfast, Clay County Fair Booth, St. Pat's Parade and other area events and parades.

The top winners of the contest will be awarded scholarship funds for college. According to Rhonda Wedeking, Flagfest Youth Ambassador committee chair, the winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship donated by the Spencer Rotary Club, second place will receive a $1,000 scholarship donated by Community State Bank, and third place will receive a $500 scholarship donated by the After Five Kiwanis Club.

Wedeking added, "We are pleased with the positive response of support from the area groups and businesses so far. Without their generous contributions, we simply could not undertake the scholarship program."

Entries in this year's event are targeted at juniors and seniors in Clay and surrounding counties. Anyone who will be 17 years old and no older than 19 years old by Jan. 17, 2010, may participate. The deadline for entries is Dec. 18. All entries should be sent to the Spencer Chamber of Commerce, 122 W. 5th St., P.O. Box 7937, Spencer, IA 51301. Entries have been mailed to high school counselor offices in the surrounding area or youth may contact the Chamber office for an entry.

The Youth Ambassador competition will be held Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at the Spencer High School Little Theatre. The student must supply a short resume and brief paragraph explaining why he/she would like to represent Flagfest and the surrounding area as youth ambassador. The students are encouraged to secure a sponsor for the program to pay a $50 entry fee. Each contestant will be required to give a three-minute minimum and five-minute maximum self-expression presentation during the evening competition.

For more information about securing an entry form or participating in the Youth Ambassador competition, contact Becky Fear at the Chamber office, 262-5680, or Rhonda Wedeking at 262-1240.