Talented Seniors Advance to Semi-Finals After Second Day of Talent Search

DES MOINES, IA (08/13/2010)(readMedia)-- Five talented Senior division acts (ages 15-21) have advanced to the semifinal rounds in Bill Riley's 51st annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform again on Thursday, August 19.

The names, ages, hometowns and routines are:

Rebecca Nickles, 18, Palmer, Classical Piano

Matt Zittritsch, 16, Humboldt, Gymnastics Tap Dance

Rhys Talbot, 19, Cedar Falls, Contemporary Vocal

Andrew Naylor, 21, Lamoni, Violin Solo

Riley Wilcox, 17, Waterloo, Drum Solo

More than 350 acts have qualified to compete in this year's Talent Search. The championship round will take place on Sunday, August 22 at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi. Bill Riley, Jr. is once again hosting the show.

Casey's General Stores will present the first place winner with a prize of $5000. The second and third place winners will be awarded $3000 and $1500, respectively. Casey's General Stores will award more than $15,000 in the Junior and Senior divisions combined.

"Non Stop Fun" at the Iowa State Fair runs through August 22. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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