EVENTS (Franklin County) — They say it runs in the family and with Lynchburg gal Laken (Ward) Hipps it’s certainly true. Before he died in 2009, her father, David Ward, could often be seen on local stages and the bar circuit either strumming solo or with a band.

It’s in her father’s spirit, that she decided to compete locally in Twin Creeks Marina and Drafts & Watercrafts, version American Idol, Lake Idol, in August. That night, she wowed the audience with a sultry version of “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton and took home first place. On September 12, she will compete for the final $1,000 grand prize.

For the finals, Hipps says she plans to dedicate the first song “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd to her father.

“It was the first song we ever played together on stage and I knew right at that moment that I loved music and performing just as much as he did,” Hipps says. “I hope I do him justice for the final and that he will be proud of me just like I was of him every time he got on stage.”

The competition will begin at 7 p.m. if you want to support this Lynchburg gal. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}