Cowichan Lake Idol is going virtual.
The annual singing contest can’t compete with COVID-19 but the show must go on, event spokesperson, Katherine Worsley, has confirmed.
“With COVID-19 we are changing up the way we do things for this year until we can get back to some kind of normal, yet we want to be there for the community, keeping them engaged and having something to look forward to as we see how many events are cancelling all around us,” she explained.
A lot of longstanding events around the Lake have been put to rest for the year including, but not limited to Lake Cowichan Family Heritage Days, Lake Days, the Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival and more.
There’s more than one way to have a competition now, thanks to the internet.
As in years’ past, there’ll be three rounds of singing. The first coincides with what would have been Family Heritage Days (May 16), the second, with when Lake Days would have been celebrated (June 13) and the third, the finalé, links up with when Honeymoon Bay Day (July 18) would have occurred. The winner was also scheduled to perform for the Youbou Regatta on Aug. 8.
The Idol event “will be held regardless of whether these events go forward,” Worsley said.
But how?
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First off, follow @CowichanLakeIdol on Facebook for updates and information.
Second, email mmarrscldcc@gmail.com to let them know you want to participate.
Then, start practising!
Each round, contestants of any age will need to upload a video of themselves singing and, if they are able or care to, playing an instrument, and then tag or email organizers the link. Those videos will be posted to the event’s Facebook page and judged on singing ability.
As the first round was set to run alongside Family Heritage Days on the May long weekend, heritage clothing costumes are encouraged.
Contestants will receive an email from the judges with their thoughts and best of all, everyone advances to the second round!
The contest is open to residents of the Town of Lake Cowichan, Mesachie Lake, Honeymoon Bay, Meade Creek, Youbou or the Skutz Falls area.
“The competition is also open to anyone currently away from the Lake but planning to return,” Worsley noted. “This is a great way for our community members to stay connected while celebrating the amazing talent in the Cowichan Lake area.”
Not a singer? That’s OK. There’ll be other opportunities to participate in community-spirit-building online in the coming months.
“We will be doing this for our decorated bike contest and pet parade as well, where we will be asking for submissions of pictures according to themes of the events,” Worsley said.