By Jenn Watt

It was standing room only on Friday night for Battle of the Bands at the Haliburton Community Centre above the arena. A long list of local talent took turns taking to the stage (complete with smoke machine) to entertain the crowd.

In the end a rap group consisting of Mackenzie Robinson Alex Petrie and Jalen Campbell emerged victorious and took home a collection of prizes donated to the event.

The Battle was a fundraiser for the Junction Skatepark which is in need of major renovations. The evening brought in just more than $1500 for the cause.

“It was a diverse group and diverse performance. We were really happy it was successful” said recreation co-ordinator for Dysart et al Andrea Mueller.

The age range in the audience went from children to seniors she said.

Because the event was so popular and offered a venue for teenagers to gather and express themselves

Mueller says there is talk of having similar youth-focused events perhaps using the bandshell.
The winner was determined by audience applause. Runner up was Mark Arike who went by “Whippz.”

The battle was followed by an open stage.