FEBRUARY 28, 2024 www.wintertexantimes.com 12 WINTER TEXAN TIMES stage. Leslie Blasing took some requests and performed some of her favorites. Attendees said she knocked it out of the park. Mark Merchant brought the crowd to boisterous laughter with his ventriloquism and his partners on stage. Diego and Edith also brought their lively music to the stage with people getting up and dancing. After a short break and the 50/50 that had two winners, attendees had the chance to hear from Dale and Mrs. Crabapple before Gayle made her appearance. Mrs. Crabapple had a few complaints about a resident at her park enjoying the pool too much. Then we had Bruce Boudreau who started with his Canadian chart-topping song “We Dance in our Kitchen,” before getting into some more familiar country tunes that the crowd enjoyed. Lastly, we had the Night Howlers close the afternoon with their trio, playing music that received participation and cheers. In between our acts we announced the winners of the Valley Star Awards. The Duet Musical of Group of the Year went to Can Am. The duo consists of Bruce Boudreau from Canada and Tom Hiles from USA. They have been making their rounds around the parks this season, just like all our Wintertainers™. They were very humbled to win the award. Tom was speechless while Bruce thanked everyone for their continued support. Individual or Small Band of the Year went to Ron Moshier. You could tell by the crowd that he is loved by all of those that attend his shows. Shake, Rattle and Roll were the Vocal Group of the Year winners. They couldn’t make it down last year but returned this year and the Winter Texans have loved having them back in town. They weren’t in attendance to receive the award but did thank their Winter Texan fans on their social media page. Mark Merchant: Two Voices in One, was quite surprised to win the Novelty, Comedy or Variety Act. He was very thankful and caught off guard to hear his name called as he was getting his dummies off the stage (as he had just performed before the announcement). Family Group of the Year went to Lindley Creek. Kathie Greer, accepting the award for the family, said it was because of the Winter Texans that they have been able to do this as a family. Without them, they wouldn’t be here. She said she is thankful for the Winter Texans enjoying their shows, and enjoying their changes each year as they try out new songs and sounds. VSA From pg. 1 Gospel Group of the Year went to Abundance Quartet. Jamie Layton was there to accept the award and said he is sure the group is goLeslie Blasing delivers a performance only a Lifetime Award recipient could. Photo by Carina Brunson Diego & Edith brought the audience to their feet with their crowd favorite songs. Photo by Carina Brunson New to the VSA stage, Mark Merchant left the audience in stitches. Photo by Carina Brunson Audience members could not resist standing up to dance to their favorite tunes. Photo by Carina Brunson
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