‘Heart of Maine Idol’ semifinals set for March 29 at Ridge View

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    DEXTER — A local talent show that turned out to be the biggest fundraising event for the Dexter Community Playground last year returns to Ridge View Community School on Saturday, March 29 at 6 p.m.
    Auditions are currently under way for the “Heart of Maine Idol” show for youngsters from Ridge View, Dexter Regional High School and the Tri-County Technical Center.

    During the March 29 show, judges will select “the best of the best” for the finals on Saturday, April 5 at the same time and location. Prizes will be given to the top three contestants from Ridge View and Dexter Regional High School.
    Playground Committee President Sue Hill said that she expects at least 20 entries for the semifinals. “We’ve had more inquiries, but we can only accommodate a certain number.
“We’re trying to strike a balance between giving everyone a chance and making the show too long,” Hill said. “But the support and feedback has been overwhelming.”
    The 2013 edition of “Heart of Maine Idol” netted over $5,000 for the committee which has raised $52,000 for new equipment so far which includes an allocation from the Dexter municipal budget, some corporate donations and various grants.
    The Dexter Community Playground Committee was formed a few years ago to replace 20 year-old equipment made from pressure-treated lumber. While the old “creative playgrounds” were popular in the 1970s and ‘80s, many of them deteriorated over the years and became unsafe for kids to play on.
A lot of new equipment was installed by volunteers last fall including six swings, a 10-person merry-go-round, a treehouse-type climber for 2- to 5-year-olds, four park benches and three ìsurfersî or surfboards on springs.
    Hill said that the committee’s major goal is to get all the equipment purchased and installed this year. “If we make $2,500 from the show, we have an excellent chance of getting a matching grant from a well-known corporation,” Hill said. She added that the firm asked to remain anonymous for the time being. “But if we’re successful and we get the grant, we’ll make sure everyone knows about it,” she said.
    In addition to the local talent, there will be some surprise entertainment during the intermissions, food and playground souvenir merchandise will be on sale and there will be a 50-50 raffle and door prizes
    Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children age 12 and under.
    More information and updates will be posted on the Dexter Community Playground Facebook page.