The Freeborn County Fair Amateur Talent Contest is open to all amateur entertainers who reside in Freeborn County.

Acts that have participated in the past may compete again with the exception of the first-place winner(s) in the open division. Former first-place winners in the pre-teen division are required to compete in the teen division as long as they are between the ages of 13 and 18, otherwise they must compete in the open division. Former first- place winners in the teen division must compete in the open division if they choose to compete again. Former open division winners may compete again after two years from the time they won.

Contestants must submit a completed entry form to the talent contest coordinator. Forms are available at Tone Music or on the fair’s Web site, www.freeborncountyfair.com. It can be found under “concerts.” Entry forms must include the following information on each person in a group: name, address, phone number, age on date of contest, birth date, county of residence, type of talent and title of selection. Entries that do not match the information submitted on the entry form exactly will be disqualified.

There will be three divisions. The pre-teen division is open to contestants age 12 and under. The teen division is open to contestants ages 13 to 18. The open division is open to contestants of any age. Accompanists, when not part of the act, may be any age.

The contest will be held on Sunday, Aug. 3, for all divisions. The contest will be held on the stage in front of Entertainment Square on the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. The contest will begin with the youngest entrant in the pre-teen division and progress through to the oldest in each division. Registration will start at noon with the contest starting at 1:30 p.m. A schedule will be posted prior to the beginning of the contest at the stage area. Contestants using costumes should come ready to appear. There are no dressing rooms available other than fairground restrooms.

The time limit is four minutes. Points will be deducted for contestants going over this time limit.

An 88-key keyboard will be available, however, contestants must provide their own accompanists.

There will be no backup band. Vocalists may use taped accompaniment, provided the tape contains musical accompaniment only. No background vocals will be allowed on tape. A sound system will be provided and a sound technician will be on hand to assist with any special needs. All contestants are required to use the sound system provided by the Freeborn County Fair. Gate admission will be the responsibility of each contestant. Parking is provided on the fairgrounds. No vehicles will be given special permission to park in the Entertainment Square area.

First, second and third places will be awarded in each division. The first-place winner in each division will be eligible to compete in the semi-final competition at the Minnesota State Fair.

All contestants will be judged on quality of performance, stage presence, entertainment value and selection. Judges’ decisions are final and score sheets will not be released to contestants or to the public.

Prize money will be awarded as follows in each division: First place, $75; second place, $60; third place, $50.

For more information, contact Merle Krause at 373-3144.