Patterson named finalist in national jingle contest

Mala Patterson, shown with her dog Bama, is one of five finalists in the Waggin’ Train Tail Waggin’ Jingle Contest. She will compete during the Country Music Association’s Awards Week.

Hartselle’s Mala Patterson will soon be off to Nashville, Tenn. to perform live for country music star Trace Adkins during Country Music Association’s Awards Week.

Patterson is one of five finalists in the Waggin’ Train Tail Waggin’ Jingle Contest, which asked dog owners to write a 60-second jingle that describes the wholesome fun they share with their dogs.

If Patterson wins, she’ll receive a private recording session with Adkins who’ll produce the jingle for her.

All dudded up in short overalls and cowboy boots, Patterson performed her number on a cabin porch for English bulldog Bama, a placid-looking dog, even in the face of the racket of Patterson’s washboard accompaniment.

Patterson, the only Alabamian to reach the finals, and the other four finalists were chosen from the 200-plus crooners who entered their original tunes in the contest. Adkins helped judge the competition. Each received an all-expenses-paid trip to Nashville and will perform for Adkins just before the CMA Awards on Nov. 9.

The four other finalists are from Michigan, Washington, Kansas and Virginia.