Acts sought for Youth United talent contest in Waterford

After the success of Waterford Unity Day in late February, which drew 400 people for a day of family activities and information-sharing, organizers are planning a follow-up: Youth United.

Waterford Assembly of God will present the free event June 25 in cooperation with the Waterford Ministerial Association. At its heart will be a group talent contest open to teens from anywhere in Stanislaus County. “We want everyone to participate – Turlock, Empire, Modesto, Riverbank, Oakdale. ... We want people to come. We’re so isolated, so alone out here,” said Iris Chopin, one of the organizers.

The contest is open to all, without the need to audition, she said. Performances are required to be family-friendly, Chopin said, and to include at least four people per act.

“The whole purpose is to get groups out, to promote unity,” she said. Beyond that, anything goes: singing, dancing, instrumental music, sketch comedy, juggling, etc.

Organizers figure each act will have a maximum of 10 minutes to perform, Chopin said. There’s been no talk of capping the number of entries since they have no feel yet for how many applicants they’ll get. Youth United will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., so time not filled by talent contest entries will be used for testimonies and other music and activities, Chopin said.

As at Waterford Unity Day, testimonies will come from people in recovery who have overcome anything from depression to alcoholism, she said. “It’s about letting people know that everything is possible if you set your mind to it.”

Youth United also will feature a Christian rap concert, free tacos and cookies, a water balloon fight, community resource booths and more. Among the organizations that have confirmed participation are Hughson Family Resource Center, San Joaquin Valley Teen Challenge, Turning Point, Josie’s Place for Bereaved Youth and Families, Project Yes and Addiction Free Recovery Services, organizers said.

Donations still are being sought to purchase food and provide cash prizes for the talent show. The top act will receive $250, second place $100 and third place $50.

Youth United will be at Beard Park, 540 C St. For more information, call Chopin at 209-604-0809.

This story was originally published June 7, 2016 at 3:30 PM with the headline "Acts sought for Youth United talent contest in Waterford."