Deadline Approaching For 2010 Illinois State Fair Photo Contests And Talent Competition

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - As the 2010 Illinois State Fair rapidly approaches, so does the deadline to enter the Dog Photo Contest, Baby Photo Contest and Talent Competition.

The deadline for each competition is Aug. 1, 2010. Entry forms for the contests are available in the Special Events Office, located in the Emmerson building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Fairgoers wanting to enter the Dog Photo Contest or Baby Photo Contest will need to send in a 5"x 7" photo, in color, and attached to a 7"x 9" white poster board.

Photos for the Dog Photo Contest must be taken within the last six months and will be judged in either the Cutest Dog or Craziest Dog Costume categories, but not both.  Only one entry per category per dog is allowed, and judging will be based on personality and appeal.

All Baby Photo Contest photos will be on display during the fair in the Kids Korner (south of the Emmerson building) area along with the winner ribbons.

The talent competition includes five categories, which showcase an abundance of musical and rhythmic talents. Categories include:  female vocal solo (Friday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m.), group vocal and male vocal solo (Saturday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m.), keyboard/instrumental (Friday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.), dance solo and dance group competition (Sunday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m.).

No act should run more than 4 minutes. A contestant may enter only one category.  The first and second place winner from each category will be invited back to demonstrate their talent at the Talent Showcase on Friday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Illinois Building.

For more information, call the Special Events office at (217) 782-0777.

The 2010 Illinois State Fair runs Aug. 13 to 22.