This weekend's Portage Potato Festival's highlighting a show called 'Portage Has Talent'. Organizer Donnovan Hillman says they were looking for 25 acts, and updates their progress.

"We're looking pretty good right now. If we get the 25 acts, we're full capacity, which means the acts cannot go over five minutes. However, some of the contestants have wanted longer."

He notes some changes for this year's competition.

"This time around the contest is open to anyone from age 12 to 25, and it's free to register. Right now it's mostly the classic talents -- singing, dancing, and a few bands in there. Mostly it's the classic talents. I haven't gotten any juggling or any of those unique talents yet, but we're open to options."

Hillman shares his feelings, knowing the event's getting closer.

"It's pretty exciting. There are a lot of things that still need to be done. But even more have already been done. A lot of preparations for it. And when it all comes together it will be worth it."

He describes the feedback from the contestants.

"The younger ones are pleased that they get to perform at the annual festival of Portage for free, on the main stage no less. The older ones are really impressed that the top prize is a cheque for $250, and a $50 gift card. And all that they had to do was impress three judges for that. I'm getting a lot of good comments on the prizes, the stage, and the whole setup in general."

Hillman says it's a joint operation with the City and the Potato Festival, with the festival committee helping out in advertising and promotion, as well as registration. The City's participation includes himself leading the project, and he's able to call on City staff to send out letters, etc.

The show takes place Saturday at 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the main stage of the Potato Festival in Rotary Republic Park.

If you want to register, send an email to portagepotatofest@gmail.com or youthcouncillor@city-plap.com.