Thursday, July 2nd 7:00pm
Grandstand
Admission
Adults - $5
Children 12 & under - Free
Compete in Pre-Teen, Teen, or Open Class.
Cash prizes WILL be awarded!
If you're interested, you must pre-register no later than June 24, 2009 by contacting Stacy at polkcountytalentshow@yahoo.com or by calling the Fair Office at 218-945-6708.
The Polk County Talent Show will be held Thursday, July 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at the Polk County Fair Ground Grandstand. Contestants must check-in at the Fair Office no later than 6:00 p.m. See “Check In Meeting” information below.
HOW TO ENTER: Contestants must submit a completed entry form no later than June 24, 2009. Contestants will be accepted on a first-form received basis. A maximum of twenty acts across all three categories will be accepted.
ELIGIBILITY: The contest is open to any amateur entertainers. Professional musicians whose talent is a principal source of income are not permitted to enter. Individuals may enter only one act each year.
PAST WINNERS: Contestants who have participated in talent contests at a county fair in the past may compete again. If a contestant previously won the Minnesota State Fair County Fair Talent Contest, they may not compete again in the same division. Former Teen Division first place winners are required to compete in the Open Division. Past Preteen first place winners must also compete in the Open Division if they are not of age to compete in the Teen Division.
DIVISIONS: All acts compete in one of three different divisions, based on the age of the contestant as of September 5, 2009. The Preteen division is open to contestants age 12 and under only. The Teen Division is open to contestants ages 13 through 18 only. The Open division is open to any contestant, regardless of age. Contestants 19 years and older must compete in the Open Division. If a group is made up of mixed ages, they must perform in the division that the oldest person qualifies for. An accompanist, when not a part of the act (simply providing accompaniment as in a vocalist or dance), may be of any age. The order of performances will be: PreTeen, Teen, and Open. Winners will be announced after all divisions have performed.
ACCOMPANIMENT: The fair will provide a CD player. Vocalists may use recorded accompaniment, provided it contains instrumental accompaniment only. Absolutely no back-up vocals are allowed on vocal performance accompaniment. The contestant is responsible for the quality and reliability of any CD used; a bad CD will detract from your performance. The fair will also provide a piano, if desired.
TIME LIMIT: The time limit is four minutes and is strictly enforced. Judges will be told to deduct from final scores for those that go over the limit.
JUDGING: Judges will assess talent based on stage presence (use of stage/microphone, eye contact, etc.), quality of performance (talent), choice of selection (did the selection fit the contestant’s ability to perform, was it appropriate for the performer, venue, audience), and entertainment value (was the audience entertained, did they enjoy the act, etc.). Judges’ decisions are final. Scores are not released to the contestants or the public, though a comment sheet can be provided after the fair to those who request one. Please keep in mind that the Polk County Fair is a family fair. Participants are encouraged to choose an act that is age appropriate in regards to content and costuming. The Talent show Coordinator and/or the Polk County Fair Board reserves the right to stop any act that is deemed in appropriate.
CHECK-IN MEETING: All acts are required to check-in at the Fair Office 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2009. Contestants who are using a CD will need to bring it with at that time. If you would like to practice on the stage prior to the show, please contact the coordinator to arrange a time earlier in the day, no rehearsing will take place after 6:00 p.m.
SCHEDULE: Once all entries have been received, you will be notified if you are selected to compete. The order of contestants will be released at that time, though you are expected to stay during the entire show and cheer on your opponents.
PRIZES
Winners in the Open Division , Teen Division, PreTeen Division will each receive:
1st $100.00
2nd $75.00
3rd $50.00
4th $25.00
The winning act in each division will be eligible to represent Polk County at the Minnesota State Fair County Fair Talent Contest. Admission to the State Fair, transportation, meals, and lodging are the responsibilities of the winning act(s).
If you place in your category, please stay near the stage after the show to have your photo taken, receive your prize(s), and get information about the State Fair Competition.
SOUND SYSTEM: All contestants are required to use the sound system provided; lapel and headset microphones will not be allowed. A sound technician will be present throughout the show. The contestant must provide all instruments and amplifiers, if needed.
STAGE: Contestants will perform on the standard stage. The measurement is 40 ft. wide x 12 ft. deep. The stage is carpeted with outdoor carpet. Contestants are encouraged to come in costume, since changing facilities are limited.
ADMISSION/PARKING: All contestants are responsible for their own parking fees, though there is no admission fee to the fair. For those transporting items, you may drive up near the grandstand to unload, but are asked to park your vehicle(s) in the standard lots upon the completion of your unloading process. Each participant will attend the show free of charge, however parents, guardians, friends, family, and other well-wishers will need to purchase tickets at the ticket booth located below the grandstand. The cost for admission is $5 for adults (ages 13 and up) 12 and under, free.
Please contact Stacy Stromstad Christianson at polkcountytalentshow@yahoo.com or 507-626-0356 if you have any questions or concerns about participating…we look forward having you share your talent with Polk County!
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