Last call for Water Ski Days karaoke

If you dream of being named the Water Ski Days karaoke champion, this year will be your last opportunity—at least for a while.

Q Media Group radio station Lake Hits 95, which puts on the annual singing contest, has announced that it plans to replace it with a different event to be announced later.

“We want to mix things up and stay fresh and just try some different things,” Q Media General Manager Shannon Harrell said.

Several replacements are up for consideration: a concert, battle of the bands, talent show, grill-off event, possibly even a wedding.

Harrell said they hope to announce something by the end of summer.

Heather Thomas, president/CEO of the Lake City Chamber of Commerce, which organizes Water Ski Days, said: “I completely understand where Shannon and Lake Hits are coming from. It’s become increasingly difficult to find establishments willing to host qualifying rounds, and participation has changed over the years.

“That said, it’s always been one of my favorite Water Ski Days traditions. I actually won the contest about 15 years ago, so it’s a little bittersweet to see it come to an end.

“I’m grateful to Shannon and Lake Hits for everything they’ve done over the years, and I look forward to working with them on new ideas for Water Ski Days in the future.

“Maybe I’ll even find my way back onto the stage one more time this year.”

Qualifiers for the Water Ski Days finals this year are:

• Port 104/Lake City VFW, June 14, 1 p.m.

• Bullwinkle’s in Ellsworth, Wis., June 19, 9 p.m.

• Cannon River Inn in Welch, Minn., June 20, 8 p.m.

• Kelly’s Lakehouse in Lake City, date and time to be announced

The finals are 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Ohuta Park in Lake City.

First prize is $600. Second price is $300. Third prize is $100.

For more information, visit q-mediagroup.com.