The Fayetteville Kiwanis Club presents their 66th annual Talent Night Showcase on Saturday, June 10, 7 p.m. at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. 

“This has always been one of the premiere fundraisers of the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club and it probably has one of the longest traditions,” said Bill Bowman, publisher of Up & Coming Weekly. “To be able to sustain a children’s cultural program for that long is absolutely amazing and something that we cherish.” 

Bowman added that Kiwanis Club opens the event up to all children in Cumberland County in kindergarten through 12th grade. He also said the club feels it is important that children have a venue to showcase their talents because these kids work hard, go to music lessons and train, but they have very few opportunities to really showcase their talents. 

About 20 years ago the Cape Fear Regional Theatre became a partner in the event. Since then, students not only get a chance to perform — they get to do it onstage at the Cape Fear Regional Theater. 

The categories are preschool–2nd grade, 3rd–5th grade, 6th–8th grade and 9th–12th grade.  

Two new classical divisions have been added this year. There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place  winners and $2,000 in cash, trophies and scholarships will be awarded. 

The overall winner will receive a trophy and $200. The first place winner in each division will receive a trophy and $100. The second place winner in each division will receive a trophy and $50. The third place winner in each division will receive a trophy and $25. 

Four music scholarships of $150 each will be awarded for voice, strings, piano and band instrument.

The proceeds from ticket sales will be used to support local Kiwanis projects for children. “All the money we raise goes back into this community to help children’s initiatives,” said Bowman.  Some of those initiatives are Terrific Kids, Reading is Fundamental, Every Kid a Swimmer and many more.

“What has been amazing is there have been dozens upon dozens of kids from Fayetteville that perform on the stage in the Kiwanis Talent Night show that have gone on to do great things,” said Bowman. “Those children have been Miss North Carolina, performed in Carnegie Hall, obtained jobs with the Boston Philharmonic, performed on Broadway and other accomplishments.”

To register for the event, visit www.fayettevillekiwanis.org/talent/ or pick up an application at the Up & Coming Weekly building at 208 Rowan St., Wendy’s restaurants or from your music, art or dance instructor. 

Auditions will be on Saturday, June 3 at the Honeycutt Recreation Center. The audition cannot exceed 3 1/2 minutes. You will be contacted about your audition time. The deadline for submitting applications for auditions is June 1. 

Tickets cost $7 and will be available at the door. For more information, contact Bill Bowman at (910) 391-3859.