The contestants — finalists and alternates — from the Aviston Sons of the American Legion 18th annual Black Tie and Talent Contest in January of this year on stage at Hidden Lake Winery in Aviston for the start of the program. The entrants, from left, are Lauren Wuebbles of Carlyle, Kalie Wellen and Reagan Rickhoff, both of Albers; Jillian Krack, Lucia Knapp and Shelby Peters, all of Breese; Jordyn Robke of Germantown, Makenna Budde of Damiansville, Madeline Kohlbrecher of Trenton, Cole Buschmann of Aviston, and Samantha Elling of Breese. Shelby Peters was announced as the winner of the contest. The Aviston Sons of American Legion is holding its 19th annual Black Tie and Talent Contest on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Hidden Lake Winery in Aviston.
This formal event is a talent and glamour contest where they give away over $8,000 in scholarships to eight area college-bound ladies and gentlemen in a final competition for nine monetary scholarships worth over $10,000.
Interested contestants can tryout at a downselect competition at the Mondt-Lampe American Legion Post 1239 in Aviston at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec 20. A 3-minute speech on a topic of that contestant's choice and a talent demonstration is required.
Contestants must be planning to attend a college or trade school full time in 2025 and must be residents of Clinton County.
The event has distributed over $188,000 in scholarships to over 154 Clinton County college students over the past 18 years.
The Jan. 11 Black Tie and Talent Contest calls for formal attire with a happy hour at 5 p.m. (wine tasting, beer and mixed drinks available), dinner at 6 p.m. and the contest starting at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $50 each and tables are also available.
For tickets or entry information, call or text Jim Kues at 618-973-5688 or Craig Timmermann at 618-830-7737.
The event is held in honor of Nick Timmermann and Dick Kues.
