POINT PLEASANT — After weeks of preparation, victory was sweet for 16 year-old Anthony Bond of New Haven, who was declared the 2009 Mason County Fair Idol following Friday’s idol finals.

Bond said that he was very excited about his idol win.

“I’ve never been in an actual (singing) contest. Last year I did the West Virginia Idol, but didn’t make it past the first round. (Mason County Fair Idol) has been a really good experience,” he added.

Finishing runner-up was Shelby Gerlach, while Hannah Foreman and Rachel Roque took third and fourth place. Tying for fifth place was Megan Casto and Katie Hendricks. All of the top six contestants received a cash prize, and Bond, Gerlach and Foreman were awarded trophies.

Event organizer, Bernita Allen, commended the finalists for their efforts.

“We told the kids they had to know 15 to 18 songs in order to go the fair (idol). They have worked hard and have done a really great job,” she said.

According to Allen, idol try-outs began in July and the final six contestants have been practicing for weeks in order to prepare for the fair contest.

During the idol finals, the 2008 Mason County Fair Idol Tarah Marie Gerlach performed three songs, while Bond and Shelby Gerlach performed two songs. In addition, the other four contestants each performed a song. The finalists also performed two group numbers, with Gerlach and Roque doing a duet to “Pocket Full of Sunshine,” and Bond, Foreman, Casto and Hendricks performing “Summer Nights.”

For his idol win, Bond also performed Friday evening on the main stage prior to the Adam Gregory concert.