News of the Nature Coast of Florida

INVERNESS - Applications are still being accepted for the Miss Cooter and Cooter Idol competitions, part of the City of Inverness' Great American Cooter Festival.

Contestants have four opportunities to participate in the quarterfinals for each competition. Frankie's Grill and Bar hosts the first night Oct. 1, followed by Neon Leon's Zydeco Steakhouse in
Homosassa on Oct. 8.

Tug's Bar and Grill in Crystal River hosts the third quarterfinal on Oct. 15, and The Grove in Inverness finishes things off Oct. 24. Anyone with singing or modeling aspirations is encouraged to apply for the respective contests.

The Miss Cooter finals are Oct. 23 at the Courthouse Square in downtown Inverness; Cooter Idol finals are Oct. 24 at Liberty Park.

Winners in each competition get $500 in cash and prizes, with the Miss Cooter winner making guest appearances at various events throughout the county in 2010. Anyone interested in competing can call the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce at 726-2801.

For a complete rundown of Cooter Festival activities, call the Chamber, the City of Inverness at 726-2611, Ext. 1309, or log onto www.cooterfestival.com.