Local singer Amanda Thate will open on the big stage at the 2012 Merritt Mountain Music Festival on July 19.
Thate received the most votes out of five contestants during a fans’ choice online voting contest via Facebook.
“I feel so grateful and excited,” exclaimed Thate. “We think there were close to 1,000 people who voted for me and I’m not sure where they all came from.”
It was not too long ago when Thate, at 13, attended the Merritt Mountain Music Festival to watch her hero, Reba McEntire.
“It was pretty much because I wanted to see Reba McEntire. I was just star-struck and amazed by it,” said Thate.
Thate and her sister Brook drew up two big cards and letters with pictures, and stood backstage with their father all day trying to meet up with the country superstar.
“When security guards got to know us pretty well,” laughed Thate. “This one security told us we couldn’t meet up with her in person but he said he’d give her the cards in person because she was really busy.”
Six months later, Thate recalled how her mom picked her and her sister up from school and told them they’d never believe what came in the mail.
There were two letters in the mail, one addressed for Amanda and one for Brook.
“We opened it up and it was handwritten,” she said. “She wrote us each the nicest letter and said how much she enjoyed the cards. Now, years later, instead of being in the crowd I’ll be on stage. Who would have thought?”
Monica Thate, Amanda’s mother, said, “We’re just really proud of Amanda and thrilled for her because we know this is her dream and we’re happy to support her.”
Thate was running against the Tequila Cowboys, Steve Rivers, Coal Creek Boys and Alee!
Along with family, friends and her fans, Thate would like to thank the Coal Creek Boys for their support after they left the message: “Us Alberta boys are up the creek and we just want to hand over our votes to Miss Amanda.”
“The votes can’t be handed over of course but just the support from them was really sweet,” Thate noted.
Thate will be opening for Gord Bamford in Cranbrook on May 23 and the following night in Trail on May 24.
On July 6, she will be opening for Doc Walker in Kelowna.
The Merritt Mountain Music Festival is from July 19-22.