The 2012 Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest celebrates 40 years of showcasing Minnesota's top talent and most outstanding performers.
In honor of this special celebration, new sponsor Jack Link's (beef jerky) has added a $10,000 grand prize, along with thousands of dollars in additional cash and prizes. Entries are accepted for all age groups.
"We're proud to be a part of the 40th Annual Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest. The good, clean fun of the talent competition aligns with the light-hearted spirit of the Jack Link's brand," said Jeff LeFever, marketing director for Jack Link's Beef Jerky. "We hope folks from far and wide will stop by to watch the talented competitors Feed Their Wild Side during this year's competition."
Auditions run July 23 through July 29 at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell on the fairgrounds. The public is invited to attend audition sessions, which begin at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. From auditions, semifinalists will be selected to perform during this year's Minnesota State Fair.
During the first 10 days of the fair, semifinals will be held at 6 p.m. nightly at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. Winners from the semifinals will compete in the finals at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2 at the grandstand. Entry to the amateur talent contest finals is free with a fair admission ticket. Guitar soloist Connor Engstrom of Mountain Lake, who took the grand prize in 2011, will return to the grandstand stage on finals night for an encore performance.
Participants are encouraged to register for auditions at mnstatefair.org. For more information, call 651-288-4395 or email msfent@mnstatefair.org.
The 2012 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 23 through Sept. 3.
