Haynes, Harrison win inaugural ‘The Burg’s Got Talent”

At the end of the night Saturday, judges determined that both Samuel Haynes and Tim Harrison both had talent in Williamsburg.

Samuel Haynes won the 18 and under division and Tim Harrison won the 19 and older division Saturday during ‘The Burg’s Got Talent’ competition.

The first The Burg’s Got Talent competition was held Saturday at the Williamsburg Tourism and Convention Center with Haynes winning the 18 and under division and Harrison, who also played guitar for at least two other contestants, winning in the 19 and over division.

Each received $50 cash and a $50 gift card from Shoe Sensation in Williamsburg.

A total of 10 acts participated in the competition, including nine singers: Gary Cureton, Emily Shelley, Naomi Hansford, Tristan Martin, Jessica Paul, Paris Cox and Cassie Welden.

The other act was Gage Partin and Chloe, who performed a humorous dance routine.

Judges included: Main Street Manager Nannie Hays, City Councilwoman Laurel West, Mayor Roddy Harrison and two representatives with Muddy Boy Records.

Over 50 people attended the event, which raised $250.

Saturday’s talent show will benefit the B Squad’s newest project, which is “Nick’s Kicks.” The goal is to provide 100 local children with name brand, customized shoes by spring.

The B Squad will raise the money to purchase old school Chuck Taylor Converse Shoes that will be customized by True Blue Customs out of Lexington. The company does custom work on shoes for many University of Kentucky basketball and football players, in addition to doing work for various celebrities.

On one side of the shoe the child’s name will be written, and on the other side “# BSquad” will be written.

The project is being done in conjunction with Shoe Sensation in Williamsburg. Jones Plastic & Engineering’s Williamsburg Division is one of several area businesses supporting the effort.

The “Nick’s Kicks” project is named for Nicholas Barman, who is the son of Shannon Barman and B Squad Treasurer David Barman.

Until B Squad members get shoe sizes for all the children, they won’t know what the exact cost of the project will be, but they anticipate it will cost about $8,000.

The B Squad’s next fundraiser will take place on March 7 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Williamsburg Pizza Hut with 15 percent of the proceeds of dine-in and carry out orders going to the charity.

The B Squad was created in 2018, and organized to empower children and families by helping provide basic necessities, promoting literacy and instilling values and a sense of pride in themselves and their community.

In December, the B Squad raised about $15,000 and gave away 31 new beds, mattresses, sheets, a comforter, a pillow and more to 31 less fortunate children.