Registration for State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Closes Monday, July 28

ST. PAUL, MINN. (07/14/2014)(readMedia)-- Registration closes for State Fair Amateur Talent Contest auditions in just two weeks at 4 p.m. Monday, July 28. Participants are encouraged to register online at mnstatefair.org. Entry forms may also be downloaded and returned through the mail. Auditions run Monday, July 28 through Sunday, Aug. 3 at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell on the fairgrounds, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. From auditions, semifinalists will be selected to perform during the first 10 days of this year's Minnesota State Fair at 6 p.m. on the Leinie Lodge Bandshell stage. Winners from the semifinals will compete in the finals at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31 at the Grandstand.

Nearly $10,000 in total prize money will be awarded to the first- through third-place winners in three divisions. Entries are accepted for all age groups and categories are: Open Division, for any age; Teen Division, ages 13-18; and Preteen Division, ages 12 and under.

Melanie Bratsch of Willow River, who took the grand prize for her vocal solo performance last year, will return to the stage as the featured act during the 2014 finals.

For more information, call (651) 288-4395 or email msfent@mnstatefair.org.