POINT PLEASANT — Among the many activities that took place at last week’s Point Pleasant Sternwheel Regatta, was the 28th Colgate Country Showdown local competition.

The event provided a chance for local singers to showcase their talents as well as hopefully advance to the state final. And on Saturday Jesse Crawford of Apple Grove was named the winner of this year’s local Colgate Country Showdown, which was held at Point Pleasant Riverfront Park.

Crawford performed George Strait’s “Out of the Clear Blue Sky,” and played both the guitar and harmonica. His combination of musical talent, stage presence, charisma, musicianship and originality caught the attention of this year’s judges, including Joseph Wright, Julie Reed and Chase Likens.

According to a news release, Crawford’s win marks completion of the first step in the prestigious national contest. On Friday, Aug. 21 during Parkersburg’s Homecoming, Crawford will advance to the state final of the Colgate Country Showdown and will vye for $1,000 as well as the opportunity to perform at one of the five regional competitions this fall.

Contestants in the state final represent WDNE Elkins, WELK Elkins, WGYE Fairmont, WTCR Huntington, WETZ New Martinsville, WGGE Parkersburg, WBYG Point Pleasant, WCEF Ripley and WDBS Sutton. Regional winners receive an all-expense paid trip to the National Final, where contestants will compete for the $100,000 grand prize and the National Title.

First runner-up in this year’s local showdown was Hannah Workman. Workman sang Terry Clark’s “Easy on the Eyes.” Alan Dye received second runner-up honors with his performance of “Wagon Wheel” from Old Crow Medicine Show. All three winning contestants won cash prizes from the West Virginia Lottery.

Other contestants in the local Colgate Country Showdown were James Lavender, Lonnie Higginbotham, Channing Bowen, Shelby Gerlach, Heather Freeman, Chelci Canterbury, Eric Adkinson, Marsha Pearson, duo Jenna Kiomall and Levi Edwards, Matthew Double, Dan McCarty, Mike Hayner, Clay Findley and Perry Cash.

According to a news release, the Colgate Country Showdown finds the most promising country music talent in America and gives performers a chance to launch a professional career. Nearly $200,000 in cash and prizes is awarded to the thousands of aspiring artists who compete each year. Nationwide, two million fans will experience the showdown via hundreds of live shows as well as the nationally syndicated television and radio broadcasts. Past local, state and regional winners include Martina McBride, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, Neal McCoy, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley and Billy Ray Cyrus.

For more information, visit www.colgatecountryshowdown.com.