Singer of the national anthem at the Boilermaker after-race party announced

The Boilermaker and WIBX have selected a Rome man to sing in front of thousands of people at the 2024 Post Race Party. Cameron Stewart was one of several people at Babes in North Utica who braved 90-degree heat Tuesday night to fight for the right to sing the Star Spangled Banner after Utica’s big race on Sunday, July 14.

Stewart said he works in real estate during the day but enjoys singing in his free time and looks forward to singing the national anthem each year in front of a crowd that typically numbers around or exceeds 40,000 spectators and runners.

On Tuesday, about 50 people gathered outside Babe’s at Harbor Point in North Utica to support those competing for the right to sing.

While Stewart will sing at the annual post-race party this year, a handful of other participants will be offered the opportunity to sing the national anthem at Boilermaker events such as the Kids Run, the 5K race and at the Boilermaker starting line.

Here are the finalists of this year’s hymn competition, all of whom gave an excellent performance of one of the more difficult songs to sing a cappella.

Rae Blue

Kya Shevalier

Mandy Casaletta

Meaghan Williams

Dave Olney

Cameron Stewart

The anthem is usually sung and then concluded as the traditional military flyover thunders across the sky over the back lot of the FX Matt Brewery in Utica. There is no confirmation yet if the military will be able to offer a flyover to conclude this year’s race.