KDSN RADIO News
Dow City Singer Addie Wood Seeking Community Support in Country Drive Anthem Contest
A young singer from Dow City is receiving community support as she competes for the chance to perform on a major regional stage this summer.
Addie Wood has been named a finalist in the Country Drive Anthem Contest, which will select vocalists to sing the National Anthem during the 2026 Country Drive Music Fest, scheduled for June 25–27 in Ashland, Nebraska. The three-day outdoor festival is held at the Country Drive Golf Course and features live country music, camping, food vendors, and fans attending from across the region.
If selected, Wood would perform the anthem at the festival, which has quickly grown into a popular country music gathering drawing large crowds for multiple days of concerts and entertainment.
Wood is already a familiar voice at many local events. She regularly sings the National Anthem at Boyer Valley basketball games, at swim meets in Denison, and each year at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Dow City Cemetery, organized by the Dow City American Legion. She was originally invited to perform at the ceremony by Susan and Jack Ahart of Dow City, and the appearance has since become an annual tradition.
Her passion for singing began early in life.
Wood says some of her favorite memories from elementary school concerts involve her late grandfather, Ohl, who rarely missed a performance.
“My favorite memories from elementary concerts were of my grandpa,” Wood shared. “He would always bring the office chair out of the music room and sit in the same spot for every concert.”
Those concerts were frequent. Wood says she began singing solos early, starting with a Grandparents Day performance in kindergarten, and continued performing regularly throughout her school years.
Her grandfather’s encouragement played a lasting role in her pursuit of music.
“He was one of my biggest supporters and always told me I could put Dow City on the map with my singing someday,” she said.
Now, Wood is hoping the community will help her take the next step toward that dream.
Voting in the contest is open to the public, and supporters can vote once per day through March 27 at midnight. The top three vote-getters will earn the opportunity to perform the National Anthem at the Country Drive Music Fest this June.
Residents who would like to support the Dow City singer can cast their vote here: https://countrydrivelive.com/anthem/
