Ever dreamed of being discovered at a talent show like “American Idol” or “So You Think You can Dance”?

You’ve got your chance at the 2010 Southeast Alaska State Fair.

The Southeast Alaska State Fair will host a regional talent show, “Southeast’s Got Talent” at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 29, the first day of the four-day fair.

Entry is $10. Entry forms can be printed online at http://www.seakfair.org, and should be mailed to P.O. Box 385, Haines, AK, 99827 by the July 15 registration deadline.

The contest winner will receive a $500 prize and $250 travel stipend to travel to the statewide “Alaska’s Got Talent” competition Sept. 6 at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer.

The Alaska State Fair will provide the Southeast winner with fair admission, a meal voucher for the contestant and a guest, on-grounds parking, and a confirmed slot in the statewide competition’s finals lineup. The statewide grand prize is $5,000.

“We hope to have a strong turnout,” said Southeast Alaska State Fair director Kelly Hostetler. “There are so many talented people in our communities, and this is an opportunity for them to strut their stuff and qualify for the statewide competition. It should be really fun.”

A panel of judges will rate performances based on criteria for appearance, stage presence and talent.

Only solo acts are eligible to compete, and performances are limited to three minutes. Popular performance genres include singing, dancing, juggling, martial arts demonstrations, or instrumental solos, but performers are encouraged to showcase their unique talents regardless of discipline.

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