Performers shine at ‘Ohio Has Talent’ event

VAN WERT, OH (WLIO) - The seats were packed at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center for this year's "Ohio Has Talent" event sponsored by CHP Home Care & Hospice.

The competition featured 15 performers ready to showcase their unique talents. All proceeds benefit CHP’s patient care fund, which helps cover gaps in services often left by Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. Saturday's participants advanced through auditions held in early December and were eager to take the stage.

"We do a kind of a statewide send out mail that we send to colleges and choir directors and band directors all over dance studios. But then, like this year, I have several who were in it many years ago. One even was 10 years old, and now she's 22, you know. So they come back sometimes as their acts change and they get into something different," said Kim Mason, event coordinator.

"I was very excited at the same time, very nervous. I've performed on quite a few stages, especially locally here in Van Wert, but you know, the most I've seen in a crowd is 100-some. So the amount of people we're going to have tonight, it's definitely nerve-wracking, but I'm absolutely excited for it," said Nick Long, who performed a duet with his brother Dustin.

Those in attendance got to vote for the winner at the end of the event.