Aurora’s Got Talent crowns 2023 winners

Aurora’s got musical talent and it was on display Thursday night during Family Night of A’ROR’N Days 2023. 
Five musical acts ranging in age from middle school to middle age wowed the enthusiastic audience and the judges as the annual Aurora’s Got Talent show took place on the parking lot in front of the courthouse. 
The show got underway at 8 p.m. with the opening act of Daniel Helzer, Kim Friesen and Tyler Lewis performing the song “Rain Clouds” by the Arcadian Wild. They were followed up by Ava Bonifas singing an a cappella rendition of “God Bless America.” Her strong and mature voice drew applause and cheers from the crowd at the conclusion of the song. 
Hamilton County Attorney Doug Dexter also sang a solo, accompanying himself on his acoustic guitar and Merrick Garrett sang the song “Numb Little Bug” by Em Beihold. 
The finale song was provided by last year’s AGT winner, Madison Barnes, who performed one of her own original pieces and accompanied herself on the guitar. 
After a few minutes of deliberation, the judges came back with their decision and awarded first place in the 18-and-over adult division to Barnes for the second year in a row. Second place went to the trio of Helzer, Friesen and Lewis and third place was awarded to Dexter.
Bonifas took first place in the kids division and Merrick came in second. 
This year’s talent show was coordinated by the Hamilton County Youth Center. The judges were Jody Griffith, Justise Rhoden, Mayor Marlin Seeman and Dindy McClellan.