Audition videos for ‘Hillsdale’s Got Talent’

HILLSDALE—If you’ve got hidden talent —or better yet — not so hidden talent, then make sure you upload a video showcasing your talents to the “Hillsdale’s Got Talent” website soon.

And soon means March 10, according to the 125th Anniversary Committee. The old deadline was March 4, which was extended to allow a few more local would-be stars to send in their audition videos. 

Maybe they’ll extend it a few more days for talented local performers who make haste to get in their submissions.

Talented residents of all ages are urged to submit videos and share their performing arts in celebration of the borough’s 125th anniversary birthday party/talent show on March 25 at Pascack Valley High School.

“The talent show is open to all ages and we’re seeing some great talent!  Calling all musicians, singers, dancers, actors, comedians, magicians, etc. We invite you to audition by submitting a registration form and uploading a video of your talent,” states the borough’s 125 Year Anniversary Committee on its Facebook page. 

Residents wanting to apply can also reach out to Gerard Sandt at gerard.sandt@gmail.com.

Talented residents interested in applying can find registration forms and upload a video here.  

Hillsdale 125th Year Committee member Gerry Beatty offered an update at the March 7 Borough Council meeting. “We have kids that are entering, we have seniors that are entering. It’s a whole range, anybody in town is welcome to do that.”

She said that scheduled performers currently include singers, dancers, musicians and one gymnast. 

Approximately seven minutes is allowed per performance, said Beatty, with all performers receiving a certificate of appreciation from the committee.

Beatty said as of March 7, 16 talented local performers had signed up to contribute to the March 25 Hillsdale’s Got Talent show at Pascack Valley High School.

So far this year, the Hillsdale 125th Anniversary Committee has held a square dance on March 3, with another likely, sponsored a audio-visual presentation, “History of Hillsdale,” by Police Capt. Sean Smith at the library that featured archival photos curated by Smith, and will hold an official birthday party and talent show on March 25 at the high school.

The official borough birthday party runs 4:30 to 5 p.m., with brief remarks likely from two-term Mayor John Ruocco to recognize the occasion. From 5 to 7, the Hillsdale’s Got Talent show will spotlight talented local performers and artists.

A couple of 125th birthday sheet cakes will be donated by ShopRite of Hillsdale. The talent show is free and all are welcome to attend, said Beatty.

Other 125th year anniversary events include a sale of decorative lawn signs ($25) celebrating the borough’s birthday (sale deadline March 15) , historical photos and artifacts displayed at the Hillsdale Public Library, and an official 125th gala dinner/celebration on Nov. 30 at Seasons, Washington Township.

Gala tickets are $150 apiece and can be ordered in advance on the website. 

Beatty noted on March 7 that relatives of John H. Olley, a local builder and former Washington Avenue resident, who built the iconic Hillsdale police booth in 1925, offered to donate related memorabilia and photos to be displayed in town. 

Beatty suggested that the council consider historical display cases that could be rotated between the two community center spaces being planned.