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More than 50 talented area youngsters, from as far north as Dayton and as far south as Kentucky, auditioned for two days to make the cut for the Mason Idol competition, a highlight of this weekend's Mason Heritage Festival.

The nine finalists include Madison Kilgore of Mason, Cara Severson of Mason, and Taylor Kiss of Mason in the 7-to-10 age group; Danielle Bessler of Edgewood, Ky., Lauren Magness of Mason, and Claire Muenchen of West Chester Twp. in the 11-to-14 age group; and Nancy Corsmeier of West Chester Twp., Charity Farrell of Dayton, and Lea Woerien of Morrow in the 15-to-18 age group.

After a day of pampering that begins shortly after the Heritage Festival Parade, the contestants will make their way to the Main Stage where they will sing their final songs beginning at 5:30 p.m.on Saturday, Aug. 23.

In addition to the official judging, for the first time a Fan's Choice Award has been added. Audience members can purchase voting ballots for $1. The one contestant to receive the most audience votes will win an ipod nano courtesy of Best Buy.

The day's festivities also include the crowning of Little Miss Heritage, 11:45 a.m.; a performance by the Dixie Ramblers, noon on the plaza; Robin Lacy & DeZydeco, 12:30 p.m.; Chaselounge, 2 p.m.; Gary Burbank's Play It Forward, 3 p.m.; the Outhouse Challenge, 4:30 p.m. and Midnight on Vine, 6:30 p.m.

How to go

WHAT: Mason Heritage Festival

WHERE: Downtown Mason

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23

COST: No charge

MORE INFO: www.festivalsofmason.com