NORWICH – Local fans of American Idol will have an opportunity to enjoy the spotlight and compete for their 15 minutes of fame, if only on a local level, as the Park Place Restaurant and Lounge announces its own Idol competition.

Participants have two opportunities – beginning at 9 p.m. on July 31 and Aug. 7 in the Park Place dining room – to qualify for the top six spots, and will then move on to compete in the Park Place Idol finals on Aug. 14.

“We wanted to try something different, and this seemed like the best way to do that,” said Park Place owner Dave Cirello, who added the downtown eatery will also continue to offer Comedy Night once every other month. “We’re excited to see what kind of talent walks through the door, and I think people are really going to enjoy this.”