Parham Fair Highlights

Jeff Green | Sep 01, 2011

 By Jeff Green & Julie Druker

Photo: Parham Idol winner, Bram Hazelton

Debra Smith of the Parham Fair Board had an idea, and with the help of her friends from Ambush and five talented local singers, that idea was brought to life last week on the opening night of this year’s Parham Fair.

The sun was just setting after a summer day; the horse pull was well underway, and teenagers were milling about at the midway, when Debra Smith introduced Maria Aiello, the first Parham Idol finalist.

Aiello started up a recorded background band and sung a country heartbreak song to much applause.

She was followed by young Bram Hazelton, who sang the Tom Cochrane hit, “Life is a Highway”, with Ambush’s Mark McDonnell backing him up on guitar.

Third up was Violet Skuce, who sang the same song that Maria Aiello had performed, except she did a spirited a cappella version. Shane Arney was next. He brought some comic relief, telling jokes and performing a novelty number about bears (or was it bares?).

Finally, Brianna Sargeant took the stage to present a Taylor Swift song.

The appreciative audience responded to all the performers. After a tense 10 minutes the Parham Idol finalists were brought back up to the stage and the winner was announced – Bram Hazelton.

Each of the finalists received a recording of their performance and Bram Hazelton performed “Life is a Highway” with Ambush as part of their show.