Kids start practicing, because registration has begun for the sixth annual General Mills and Giant Eagle local giggle off contest scheduled for May 29 at the Altoona Curve game.
Those who may qualify for the contest are kids three to 13 years of age. Registration forms are available at both the Altoona and Roaring Spring Giant Eagle and also at The Daily Herald office in Tyrone.
Ten contestants will be randomly chosen through a drawing live on the air on WALY 103.9 on Friday, May 21. Those chosen will have a week to practice for the contest.
Courtesy of the Altoona Curve, each chosen contestant will also receive four tickets to the Curve game scheduled for May 29, which is also the day of the giggle off contest.
“Basically, we do this at the Altoona Curve game to give it a family atmosphere,” said General Mills sales representative and organizer of the giggle off contest, Mike Blaska.
During the giggle off contest, the contestants actually go onto the field. They giggle into a microphone for the crowd to hear. The contestants are then narrowed down to five, based on their giggles. The crowd has the honor of picking the winner by applause.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the contestants, including: first place, $300; second place, $200; third place, $100; fourth and fifth place, $50 and sixth through 10th place, $25.
Blaska said the event has grown tremendously over the years. Last year, there were 1,100 entries from kids all around the area, and the winner of the contest was Tyrone resident Kyle Plummer.
“It’s just an all-around fun night for the entire family,” added Blaska. “It’s a thrill for the kids to go down on the field and meet some of the players, and you have to give credit to the kids for giggling on cue.”
