VISITORS to the Highland Gathering and the Lifestyle Expo at Hutchison Park on Saturday, 2 May will get to meet 12-year-old singing sensation, Keely Crocker, who will help raise funds for Amanzimtoti Lions Club, the host of the event.
Keely has made a name for herself in competitions such as East Coast Got Talent 2011 where she won the bambino category through her moving rendition of Michael Jackson’s song, ‘Ben’.
She also placed second in the junior category of the 2013 Gateway to Fame talent search and went on to win the Khanya Hospice Got Talent competition. Her performances at Reach for a Dream’s 25th birthday celebration, Sibiya Entertainment Kingdom’s fundraiser, Entabeni Life Hospital’s Aids Day and a number of other charities have wowed audiences.
The grade 7 Amanzimtoti Primary School pupil writes her own music, plays the guitar and is learning the keyboard.
What makes her passion and drive to perform so astounding is that she also suffers from a rare, incurable kidney disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis – which was diagnosed in February 2012. Although Keely’s kidneys only function at about 35%, her condition is currently stable. Yet, through all the challenges, the youngster manages to keep a positive attitude and continues to inspire other children with chronic diseases through song.
“I wanted to participate in my first competition, East Got Talent, when I was nine-years-old, because I wanted to show people I could sing,” said the inspirational youngster. I also love the whole experience of being on stage and, although I’m nervous before I sing, I’m fine once I get up on stage.”
Commenting on her disease, she takes a very straightforward approach. “My faith in God is strong. It’s all in the way you handle it. I pretend the disease is not there and live my life as normal as possible. My advice to other children is to live your dreams but most of all have fun doing what you enjoy.”
Keely said she loves entertaining and making people happy, particularly if it’s for charity.
Keely will perform a selection of songs at the Highland Gathering and Lifestyle Expo, which is a fun-filled family day with a craft market, fleamarket, foods stalls, pipe bands, dancers from across the country, as well as a demonstration arena and fun children’s area.
To book a stall, email John.d.k.west@gmail.com. The onus is on food stallholders to obtain certificates from the health department.
A beauty pageant, which is also a highlight of the Gathering will see beauties take to the ramp in the Mini Miss Highland Gathering (three to six-years-old); Miss Junior Highland Gathering (seven to 12-years-old) and Miss Highland Gathering (13 to 18-years-old). Masterchef SA winner, Roxi Wardman will judge the beauty pageant. Pageant forms can be handed in at the information kiosk at Galleria. However, payment must only be made on the day of the event.
The Lifestyle Expo forms an important part of the Highland Gathering and has something for everyone.
A high impact one-stop shopping experience, the expo will provide stall holders with powerful direct marketing and shoppers with an incredible variety of products
“Whether you’re looking for something to pamper yourself, the perfect piece of furniture to complete your home or that ultimate recreational vehicle, you’ll be able to find everything at the Lifestyle Expo,” said Monique Botha.
The outdoor and leisure section welcomes Mark White Nissan, Durban South Toyota, Fury Ford and Mazda, Hyandai Amanzimtoti and BMW Ryder Mottarad.
Visitors will also find show-stopper deals at the Makro marquee which promises visitors a one-stop shop experience. Exhibitors can contact Monique to book a stand at the Lifestyle Expo on 031-904- 1578 or events@bigevents365.co.za
To keep updated on the event visit the Facebook Page: The Highland Gathering & Lifestyle Expo.
Tickets for the Gathering and Lifestyle Expo cost R40 for adults; R20 for pensioners and scholars; children U12 pay R10 and those U5 enter for free. Gates open at 8am.
