Riverview’s Summer Gallant, 25, will showcase her town crying skills in Chester, England this September, competing against experienced town criers. Earlier this year, she became Riverview’s first official town crier after auditions. Gallant, the youngest contestant at the upcoming World Town Crier Tournament, will be one of only two women competing among 24 participants from around the globe. She mentioned the challenge of projecting her voice deeply due to her age, but believes she brings a unique quality to the competition.
Discovering the tournament through a social media group shortly after assuming the town crier role, Gallant was drawn to the theatrical nature of the position. Her deep-rooted connection to Riverview and her involvement in local theater productions led her to pursue the role. Apart from running a café and coordinating the Riverview’s Chocolate River Farmers Market, Gallant occasionally dons her town crier attire for official town events and celebrations like Canada Day.
In preparation for the tournament, Gallant is practicing vocal exercises and appreciates the competition’s structure that allows participants to present pre-written town cries on scrolls. The tournament will evaluate contestants based on vocal strength, clarity, showmanship, and audience engagement. The event promises colorful costumes, strong vocal projection, and traditional town crier calls reverberating off the ancient walls.
Riverview Mayor Andrew LeBlanc expressed his excitement about Gallant’s participation, highlighting the opportunity for her to represent Riverview globally. He commended her skills and urged other competitors to be prepared for the unique flair she brings to the competition.