Deadline Nears For Minnesota State Fair Talent Contest

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Time is running out for entering the Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest auditions.

Registration closes at 4 p.m. on July 28.

Participants are encouraged to register online at www.mnstatefair.org. Entry forms also may be downloaded and returned through the mail.

Auditions run July 28 through 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 chosen to perform during the first 10 days of this year's State Fair at 6 p.m. on the Leinie Lodge Bandshell stage.

Winners from the semis will compete in the finals at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Grandstand.

Nearly $10,000 in total prize money will be awarded.