NORWICH – After a prize-winning performance at the Chenango County Fair, local singer Shannon Stark has shown she has what it takes to take her act to a bigger stage and this weekend, she has the chance to do just that as she heads to Syracuse to compete in a statewide talent show during New York State Fair.

Stark, 19, will take her act to center stage at 2 p.m. on Sunday, singing in front of hundreds of unfamiliar faces. Her vocal performance of country music superstar LeAnn Rimes’ “Cowboy Sweetheart” won over judges during the Chenango County Fair talent show two weeks ago, earning her first place in the 14 and older age group and the opportunity to move on to more rigid competition at the state level.

“I’m feeling really confident about it,” Stark said, remembering her win at the county fair. “I learned to sing a great new song that everybody loves and it went really well.” And although nerves might get the best of some singers, she said she’s carrying her sense of optimism with her to the state fair.