GET DISCOVERED: STATEWIDE KARAOKE CONTEST

Regional Contests to Boost County Fairs and Promote Local Talent

Springfield, IL - Can you carry a tune? Are you known within your circle of friends for your karaoke skills? This year local talent will be showcased on the biggest stage at the Illinois and DuQuoin State Fair. The State Fairs Karaoke Contest will give one lucky fairgoer the opportunity to be an opening act on the Grandstand stage at both the 2016 Illinois State Fair and 2016 DuQuoin State Fair.

Today, State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon announced a fun and interactive contest that gives fairgoers the chance to perform on the Grandstand Stage. This summer eight (8) regional county fairs will host qualifying rounds of State Fairs Karaoke. The first and second place winners from the regional level contests will move on to the finale at the Illinois State Fair on Saturday, August 20th, with the overall winner performing two (2) songs that night before the Little Big Town concert. The overall winner also receives the honor to perform at the DuQuoin State Fair for a concert that has yet to be named.

"We are proud to partner with our Illinois County Fairs on this project," said State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon. "We hope this contest draws in a new audience for our county fairs. These county fairs are vital to our communities and to our rural economies. Quite frankly, this is the perfect fit and win-win for all involved."

In order to compete, you must be a solo act, you must be 18 years old, and it is highly recommended that each participant pre-register on the Illinois State Fair website (www.illinois.gov/statefair). Space is limited at each venue and once the host site's slots are filled the registration will be closed. Complete contest rules can be found online. Registration begins on Monday, May 16 at noon CST.

"This contest has the ability to make someone's dream come true," said Assistant Du Quoin State Fair Manager Tibretta Reiman. "I encourage anyone who has ever dreamed of performing on a big stage to check out this contest. It's free to enter, but the experience and the exposure could prove to be invaluable."

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Regional Contests:

Be sure to check out all the new and exciting things planned for the Illinois State Fair (August 12-21) and Du Quoin State Fair (August 26 - September 5).