by MATTHEW NASH

Sequim Gazette

If you’ve got the talent, then Sequim Bible Church wants to see it.

Organizers of the church’s second annual Family Fun Fest on Saturday, Aug. 13, are recruiting performers for a new talent show held the same day.

Finalists have a shot at first place worth $500, $250 for second and $125 for third.

Samantha Christy, talent show coordinator, said music is a passion and she’s starting the show because she finds many skilled people around town.

“It’s refreshing to see so much talent here,” Christy said.

She encourages first-timers and people with a variety of talents to turn out from singers to jugglers to dancers to comedians to new things no one has seen before.

“Don’t underestimate yourself,” Christy said, “(Participants shouldn’t) be afraid of what talents God has given them.”

Christy adds that just because the event is held through a church doesn’t mean it’s just for churchgoers: Everyone is welcome to try out.

Sign-ups are open now for tryouts running July 30 at Sequim Vineyard Church, 111 River Road, and July 31 at Sequim Bible Church.

Participants can sign up at www.sequimbible.com or by calling the church at 683-4135.

Organizers will communicate with participants on their tryout time.

Of the participants, 12 will be selected for the 5 p.m. finale Aug. 13 at Sequim Bible Church.

Performances are limited to five minutes each.

 At the competition judges will decide winners with audience members’ vote helping with choices.

Christy plans to promote the event around town with fliers and use social media like Facebook

to spread word-of-mouth because she finds it to be the quickest way to get the word out.

Family Fun Fest

Last year saw plenty of interest in the Family Fun Fest.

Joe Mangiameli, event co-coordinator, said they served 500 hot dogs with probably many more people coming through for the event’s activities.

This year it includes nine bounce houses, 10 outside carnival games, a water balloon launcher, more food and prizes.

“Family Fun Fest is doing something for the whole community,” he said. “We hope to have even more people participate.”

Sequim Bible puts on an ecumenical Christian worship music event called Raging Praise each quarter where local church bands play together. Mangiameli said the festival is their Raging Praise for the quarter, with five worship bands performing throughout the event from within the church.

The whole event is free to participants. If you have questions, Sequim Bible Church, 847 N. Sequim Ave., can be reached at 683-4135 or visit www.sequimbible.com.

Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.