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Open Country Singing event expected to be bigger and better in 2019

'Each year it's just fantastic to see the number of people that come from all over the place'
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Open Country Singing Contest at Bill Barber Community Complex last summer. File photo courtesy Linda Holmes/BayToday.

The Northern Ontario Open Country Singing is returning to the Bill Barber Community Complex this year.  

Organizers say more than 70 contestants have already signed up for the 31st annual event which takes place Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4 at the Callander area facility. 

See related: The 30th annual Country Open Singing Contest keeps toes tapping and fingers drumming

The event which used to take place in Lee Park is hosted by the Nipissing Country Music Association.

The contest includes a variety of male and female classes along with duets and even kids karaoke.   

"Each year it's just fantastic to see the number of people that come from all over the place, not just here in town, they come from Windsor, Timmins, you name it, all over Ontario," organizer Harley Renaud told Rogers Radio.

Renaud says there will be food and vendors on the site plus a new shuttle service from North Bay.  

"We do have a bus running from Northgate Shopping Centre, going right to the community centre, where people can bring their chair with them," Renaud said. 

The cost will be $5 per person one way. 

The bus will depart from Northgate Shopping Centre each day at 11 a.m. and return at 9 p.m.


Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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