Talent from across the Midwest will have the opportunity to perform and compete in the 32nd annual Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest. A total of $7,445 in prize money will be awarded to the first- through third-place winners in three divisions. Entries are now being accepted for all age groups. The postmarked deadline for entries is Tuesday, July 14, and must include the $15 entry fee. Age categories within the competition include Open Division, for any age; Teen Division, ages 13-18; and Pre-teen Division, ages 12 and under. Auditions for the amateur talent contest will be Monday, July 19 through Thursday, July 22, and Monday, July 26 through Sunday, Aug. 1, at the bandshell on the fairgrounds. The auditions will begin at 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Semi-finalists will be selected to perform during the Minnesota State Fair. Semifinals will be at 6 p.m. August 26-Sept. 4, at the bandshell. Winners from the semifinals will compete at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, at the grandstand. Last year, Max and Kecia of St. Cloud won the 2003 Open Division and grand prize, with a four-minute storytelling of “Beauty and the Beast.” They will perform at this year’s finals. To enter, call the talent contest information line at (651) 288-4395, e-mail entertainment@mnstatefair.org, or write to: Talent Contest, Minnesota State Fair, 1265 Snelling Ave. No., St. Paul, MN 55108-3099.
