Register Now to Audition in July

Calling all amateur singers, dancers, musicians, ventriloquists, jugglers and talented people of all ages: registration is now open to audition for the Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest. Participants are encouraged to register online at mnstatefair.org/competitions/amateur-talent-contests/. The deadline to register for auditions is 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 27. Entry forms may also be printed and returned by mail. For more information, call 651-288-4395 or email msfent@mnstatefair.org. 

 From the summer 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 then compete in the finals at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, on the Grandstand stage. The finals are open to the public and free with fair admission. 

 In total, nearly $20,000 in prize money will be awarded to the first- through third-place winners in three divisions: Open Division (any age), Teen Division (ages 13-18) and Preteen Division (ages 12 and under).

 Auditions run Monday, July 25, through Sunday, July 31, at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell, sponsored by Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co., on the fairgrounds and begin at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The public is welcome to attend auditions, and admission is free. 

 The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world. Showcasing Minnesota’s finest agriculture, art and industry, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is 12 Days of Fun Ending Labor Day. The 2022 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 25 – Labor Day, Sept. 5. Visit mnstatefair.org for more information.