In 2006 at age 12, Aaron Kelly appeared in a contest at Lycoming County Fair. Irene Colabine from Hughesville is shown with Aaron.

Four years ago at the tender age of twelve, Sonestown’s own Aaron Kelly appeared at Hughesville’s Lycoming County Fair. He entered the Colgate Showdown contest, won first place and went on to compete at the next level in Hershey.

Since then, Kelly has often appeared on the fair’s free stage. He also sang at the Bloomsburg Fair and during home games at Williamsport’s Bowman field for the Crosscutters.

A photographer at the fair for many decades, Alan Colabine from Hughesville has had the opportunity to photograph many up and coming stars. Just to prove he knew them before star hood, Colabine often poses his wife, Irene with what often turns out to be budding stars.

Karen Yaw of the Lycoming County Fair association said, “E-mails of congratulations and support have been sent to Kelly on behalf of the fair board. He receives about 1400 votes from us each week.”

Signs focusing directing attention to the up and coming star are all around the area including main businesses such as the Picture Rocks Hardware. There Howard Rice said, “Kelly’s family are valued customers. A family member came in to purchase materials to make a sign and I told her to make it two. We’re proud to support Aaron and watch him each week. I hope the community takes the opportunity to watch and call in.”

This sign for Aaron Kelly is in support for him to win the American Idol series. Shown here is owner, Howard Rice of Picture Roc

As of this writing, Aaron Kelly is among the 12 finalists on televisions “American Idol.” It seems he’s garnered much local support during his quest to be the show’s next super star as well as capturing new viewers for the show.