PHILLIPS — The kickoff for Phillips Old Home Days showcased the talents of its young people and its community Tuesday.

The annual week of fun will include many more events, but the eighth-graders at the Phillips Elementary school were in charge on Tuesday night. They are planning a trip to Quebec at the end of the coming school year, so fundraising starts early, and this talent show gets everyone enthused.

Dreamin’ Big DJ Scott Ladd provided the music and announced performers. Performers choreograph their dance routines, rehearsed their songs and practiced before taking the stage. For most, it was the first time in front of a large audience.

“We have a lot of talent here tonight,” Ladd told the crowd.

Jessica Ross, one of the volunteer directors, is an educational technician at the school, so she greeted most of the participants by first name and gave them lots of encouragement. The format is casual, she said, because the children might not have that last-minute courage to take the stage before an audience.

Others, who weren’t sure at first, managed to find their courage to perform. It can be a big step, but the large audience was warm and welcoming, and everyone went home a winner.

Ross said many other community members helped behind the scenes, baking cookies and other goodies to sell, registering the performers, setting up and putting away chairs, and answering questions.

“We meet with everyone who can help with this show, and we decide how everyone can pitch in to help,” she said. “The community really comes together to support this.”