Talent was on full display at last night’s Country Showdown event in Vernal hosted by Evans Family Media. Country Showdown was once a major national talent showcase with Vernal being one of the first communities to host the competition 43 years ago. At its peak, there were over 100 Country Showdown events held across the nation. While the national competition ended about 10 years ago, the tradition has continued locally and now Vernal is the last community to carry it on. At its peak there were over 100 Country Showdown events nationwide and the national winner received a Nashville recording contract. The event has stayed in the family locally with Evans Family Media purchasing KNEU in the fall of 2022 making 2023 the first year that Joe Evan’s son Steve and his family took over and continued the event. At that time it was decided to move the event to the True Value parking lot and future home of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary, reminiscent of the many years when it used to be held there. 17 contestants competed on Wednesday evening with Alyssa Howell being crowned the winner, Cork Snow taking second place and Izzy Fenn with third place. A big thank you to all who competed and congratulations to the 2024 winners!
