Darren Exley took the top prize in the Ridge Meadows Got Talent competition's adult category at Country Fest this year, while Ria Diy, 15, walked away with first place in the youth category.

This year there were two groups that competed for top prizes. First prize was a $100 Visa gift card, second prize was a $50 Visa gift card and third prize was a gift certificate to either Red Robin or The Black Sheep Pub along with a couple of smaller prizes.

Between the acts there were games, a juggler Mike Bertness who juggled bowling pins, swords and flames, as well as amateur talent, said Peggy Stoltz show coordinator with this year's Ridge Meadows Got Talent

"What an amazing weekend we had at Country Fest and it was all due to the fabulous people from NorthRidge that stepped up to help out with the many activities going on," Stoltz said.

This year's youth winners were: first place: Ria Diy, 15,, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter; second place: Mhico Rio, 18, dance solo; and third place: Chris Sonea, 15, drum solo.

This year's adult winners were: first place: Darren Exley guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter singing an original piece Tobias; second place: Jonathan Reicher for his guitar solo to I'm Alright by Neil Zaza; and third place went to sisters Heather Kyle and Megan Wray for guitar and singing a duet of a Beatles' medley.

"We look forward to the opportunity to do this again next year and to even more fabulous talent coming out," Stoltz said. In May 2013, the Country Fest website will post information about submitting auditions for the the 2013 talent show. The website for Country Fest is www.rmpmcountryfest.org.