Gary Hamilton wins 2012 Ruby Allmond Songwriting contest

Bonham -- A stunning performance by Gary Hamilton earned him first place in the 2012 Ruby Allmond Songwriting Contest held Saturday, August 4 in Bonham. Along with bragging rights, Hamilton heads home with $300 in cash and the opportunity to record the winning song, "Where it's Raining," in a professional studio.

It is noteworthy that in its third year, the contest came full circle, because Allmond was a native of Bailey, Texas and Hamilton lives in Bailey.

Gary Hamilton

Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd welcomed the crowd to the event, which also featured a tribute to Ruby Allmond performed by Dr. Randy McBroom.

Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd

Micaela Howeth of Richardson, Texas earned $200 for a second place finish with "Texas Kerosene," while Bonham's own Mark Stempler rounded out the money winners with a third place finish good for $100.

(L-R) Mark Stempler, third place; Gary Hamilton, first place; and Micaela Howeth, second place

Jill Hobbs of Hawkins, Texas was a top-10 finisher for the third year in a row and performed "Dark Sabine."

Lou Ann Petty, Ernest Sparks and Randy Wallace, three Commerce-area songwriters who perennially make it to the finalist stage on the contest, performed "Cold, Cold Wind," "The Hard Road" and "You Cracked My Rose Colored Glasses," respectively.

Brian Lackey of Dodd City, Texas sang "Don't Cry For Me" and Savoy, Texas resident Kalyn Jager sang "I Know the One." Robert A. Owen of Burleson, Texas sang "Send You Home." Lackey, Jager and Owen were impressive first-timers in the contest.

But on this night, no one could touch the flawless performance Hamilton delivered and now his name goes in the books as the third person to win this contest.

The contest was held at Bailey Inglish Auditorium in Bonham.