YOUTH TALENT CONTEST
Arkansas State Fair
ARKANSAS STATE FAIR YOUTH TALENT CONTEST

October 15 – 24, 2021
Arkansas State Fairgrounds

ONE REGIONAL WINNER from each category will be chosen from each Regional Contest held from Monday through Thursday. These Regional winning acts will receive a plaque and return on Saturday for the Finals. One winning act will be chosen from each category in the Finals. The Final winning acts will receive a trophy and cash award. One overall Junior & Senior Grand Champion will receive a trophy and an additional cash award. All events will be held in the Arkansas Building southwest of the Coliseum

QUALIFICATIONS & RULES

  1. The purpose of the Arkansas State Fair Youth Talent Contest is to discover, develop, and encourage talent in the youth of Arkansas.  It is designed primarily for amateur talent, but any act which qualifies otherwise is eligible even if the act received pay at some time EXCEPT where the person(s) are engaged in the entertainment business or paid instructors of the Arts.  Acts that may be considered professional should be brought to the attention of the County / District Fair Manager who will be responsible for notifying the State Youth Talent Director. The State Youth Talent Director will determine the contestant’s eligibility. Their decision will be final.
  2. Junior Contestants must be 10 years of age and not more than 15 years of age by the opening day of the Arkansas State Fair. Senior Contestants must be 16 years of age and not more than 21 years of age by the opening day of the Arkansas State Fair. Any contestant appearing younger or older than the age limits specified should be prepared to furnish proof of age to the State Contest Director.
  3. Contestants must be legal residents of the state of Arkansas.  Contestants must not have ever been convicted of any crime or have any criminal charges pending.
  4. The Grand Champion Winner(s) of the Arkansas State Fair Youth Talent Contest are not eligible to compete until person(s) is eligible to compete in the next age division. Senior Grand Champion Winner(s) will not be eligible to compete again. Contestants in the Arkansas State Fair Youth Talent Contest are not eligible to compete in the Arkansas State Fair Pageants or the Rodeo Queen Contest in the same year.
  5. No contestant will be allowed to compete in more than two categories.
  6. Contestants can only compete in the county contest and win the Youth Talent Contest sanctioned by the County which they legally reside in. In the event a contestant’s parents are divorced and live in separate counties and have been court ordered to reside jointly with both parents, the contestant can only compete in one of the two counties in which the contestant’s parents reside. The State Fair is now requiring the county send their county winners to the state competition. All other county contestants can compete at their respective district competition. Contestants must have entered a sanctioned county / district contest to compete.
  7. Entries to the Arkansas State Fair Youth Talent Contest are limited to one act in each of the six (6) categories from each County or District Fair sanctioned by the Arkansas State Counties with two recognized Arkansas fairs can send one act for each of the 6 categories from each fair providing that each holds a sanctioned Youth Talent Contest.  Any tie at the County or District level must be broken prior to entry in the State Contest.  If a County or District Fair sends more than one act in any one category, all the acts in that category from that County or District Fair will be disqualified
  8. In the event a County or District winner is unable to compete at the State Contest, the County or District Contest Official can send a runner-up to represent their fair.
  9. All acts must be performed on the stage. Please keep the stage dimensions in mind when preparing your talent presentation: 40 feet in length, 24 feet in depth, and 2 feet in height.  Dimensions are approximate.
  10. Contestants are required to be on time for all rehearsals and contests. Absent or tardy contestants are subject to disqualification, at the discretion of the Contest Director and State Fair Management.
  11. Entry forms must be legible and signed by each of the following: (1) contestant(s); (2) contestant’s parent or guardian; (3) director. Director is responsible for filling out and submitting entry form. Entry forms MUST be sent to the State Fair office within 5 days following the County or District contest.
  12. Each contestant will receive two gate admission passes and one parking pass. We must have the entry form in time to mail the passes back to the CONTESTANT. If there is a group of two or more contestants, COMPLETE the mailing address portion of the application in which you desire the admission passes returned. Admission passes WILL NOT be mailed to each of the contestants individually. If you do not have your passes you will be required to pay gate admission and parking
  13. Entry Forms MUST be mailed.  The Arkansas State Fair is not responsible for items lost or delayed in transit by any shipping method.
  14. Any display of poor sportsmanship and/or unbecoming conduct, any interference and/or disturbance, or any other behavioral problem created by a contestant, parent, county or district director, relative, or even a supporter of a contestant could result in disqualification of the contestant not only from this year’s contest but also from future participation.
  15. Any inappropriate lyrics of a song in the vocal division, or inappropriate moves in the dance and variety categories will result in immediate disqualification. The contest director has the right to interrupt a performance if it is not deemed suitable for the Youth Talent Competition.
  16. No decorative or background props of any kind will be allowed. A prop must be used as a functional part of the contestant’s act. Questionable props must be discussed and approved by the State Contest Director before arrival.
  17. The director and/or state fair management of the Arkansas state fair youth talent contest reserves the final and absolute right to interpret these rules and arbitrarily settle and determine all matters, questions and differences in regard thereto, or otherwise arising out of or connected with, or incident to the contest, and the right to amend or add to these rules as their judgment may determine. Any contestant who fails to abide by any of the above rules will be disqualified from the regional and state contests by the state contest director and/or state fair management.

ENTRY FORMS
Directors will have the entry form for the Arkansas State Fair Youth Talent Contest. Directors MUST complete the entry form with the winning contestant. Directors MUST submit the application with their Director form. Once the entry form is received at the State Fair office, addition or correction to the entry form will not be allowed. The entry form must be legible and received at the State Fair office within 5 days of your county or district fair. All correspondence must be made with you director. Do not call the State Fair office verifying receipt of your entry form.

LENGTH OF PERFORMANCE
All act must not exceed the 3-minute time limit (including recorded introduction). CD accompaniment is also subject to the same 3-minute time limit. The music being used for the talent acts must be the only music on the CD. No phones, iPods or MP3 Players will be able to be used. The music must meet time limit requirements. No fading or stopping of the CD by the State Fair techs will be allowed. All acts are limited to a 1-minute time limit in setting up equipment. NO EXCEPTIONS! Setups and performances will be timed.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES
There are six (6) categories in the Arkansas State Fair Junior Youth Talent Contest. Competing acts must qualify by one of the following category descriptions:

  1. VOCAL SOLO shall consist only of a vocal performance by one vocalist. CDs used for the accompaniment will be allowed to provide limited vocal background but are not suggested.
  2. VOCAL GROUP shall consist of two or no more than ten vocalists. No other talent may be performed. CDs used for the accompaniment will be allowed to provide limited vocal background but are not suggested.444
  3. DANCE SOLO shall consist of one dancer. No other talent may be displayed in conjunction with the dance performance.  All types of dancing will be judged in this category – tap, jazz, ballet, folk, ethnic, fad, etc.  Gymnastics, tumbling, acrobatics, or any other form of gymnastics is not included in this category.
  4. DANCE GROUP shall consist of two or no more than fifteen dancers. No other talent may be displayed in conjunction with the dance performance.  The same rules listed under Dance Solo apply.
  5. VARIETY shall consist of a performance of one or no more than fifteen people. This category is intended to provide a proper showcase for those acts in which multiple talents are displayed.  Acts that fit the description of any other category will not be allowed to compete in this category.  The following acts qualify for this category: vocal with accompaniment, juggling, ventriloquism, magic, gymnastics, and tumbling are the only allowable categories.  No act may include a drum set(s), beatboxing, paint/watercolor, swords, any open flame, or any form of liquid. All contestants must use the keyboard that is provided.
  6. INSTRUMENTAL SOLO shall consist of an instrumental performance without vocal utterance by one performer. Taped accompaniment may be used. Contestants are encouraged to memorize their piece rather than using sheet music while performing. All contestants must use the keyboard that is provided. NO DRUMS!

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT CATEGORY ON THE ENTRY FORM.

INSTRUMENTS AND MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT
Professional sound equipment including CD player and 5 microphones are provided, and their use is required. No personal CD players, MP3 players, microphones or any other sound/tech equipment will be allowed.

Musical accompaniment for any act must be recorded. Contestants must furnish their own CD’s, which must contain only the music needed for performance and must not be longer than 3 minutes. Any act whose CD contains more than the music needed for their performance will be automatically disqualified. It is recommended you bring a second CD to have in case of an emergency. All CDs must be properly cued and labeled in advance and should be of good quality.

All CD’s should be clearly marked with contestant(s) name, county/district represented, time of tape, and music title. All CD’s must be claimed at the sound table immediately following the contest. The Arkansas State Fair Youth Talent Contest assumes no responsibility for CD’s left unclaimed.

REHEARSAL
No formal rehearsals will be held for any division / category of the Youth Talent Contest. A one minute microphone set-up and CD check will only be conducted. Heavy traffic is not a valid excuse for being late. For further details, the County or District Contest Director should contact the director at 479-719-0736 not more than 48 hours prior to the competition.

DRESSING AND BACKSTAGE
The dress code is a must! (Sunday Best). No holes in pants or shirts. All acts will be judged on talent, appearance, preparedness and entertainment valve. All contestants’ appearance and talent packages are subject to approval of the State Contest Director. Dressing areas are provided for contestants who will perform in costume.

ONLY CONTESTANTS WILL BE ALLOWED BACKSTAGE FAILURE TO ABIDE BY COMPETITION RULES MAY RESULT IN CONTESTANT DISQUALIFICATION.

REGIONAL CONTESTS
Each Regional Contest will be held in the Arkansas Building located on the southwest side of the Fairgrounds. Enter the fairgrounds though Gate 11. A guard will direct you to the Arkansas Building if you identify yourself as a Youth Talent contestant. Only contestants and one parent or chaperones will be allowed free admission and parking when entering the grounds, the first time. All others must pay gate admission and parking. No permanent parking is available at the Arkansas Building. Contestants will be allowed to unload vehicles at the Arkansas Building and then be directed by security personnel to park elsewhere.

Registration will begin at 10:00 am and mic check for each Regional Contest will begin at 11:00 am. YOU MUST BE ON TIME. DO NOT LEAVE THE BUILDING at the end of sound check. If the parent decides to leave the fairgrounds, they will have to pay gate admission and parking when they return.

All Youth Talent Contests will begin this year at 1:00 pm.

One winner in each category will be selected from each region to return to the finals on Saturday. Regional winners will be given instructions regarding the Final Competition for Saturday night. Grand Champion Winners will be required to stay for the pageant finals on Saturday evening

FINALS
The Regional Winners of each category MUST return to the finals on Saturday. Any regional winner failing to return for finals, will be disqualified from any future contest and may result in the county / district contest being placed on suspension.

No substitution of any individuals in any act will be allowed, and contestants must perform the same act / music as they did in the Regional Contest.

The finals will be held in the Arkansas Building. Be sure to bring CD’s with you. All contestants in the finals must report to the Arkansas Building at 11:00pm for roll call. Once roll call has been taken, DO NOT LEAVE THE BUILDING! No rehearsal for individual talent numbers will be permitted. Finals will begin promptly at 1:00pm.

A winning act from each category will be announced. A Junior and Senior Grand Champion will be announced. The two Grand Champion acts will perform during the evening Pageant. Junior and Senior Grand Champion(s) will be awarded cash prize(s).

JUDGING
The judges will be appointed by the Arkansas State Fair & Livestock Show. They will be persons well qualified to judge a contest of this kind. Their decision will be final. Judges scores are confidential, and critiques are NOT allowed to be given to anyone. All acts will be judged on talent, appearance, preparedness and entertainment value. The judges will be required to break any tie(s) by considering the overall appeal of an act.

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The Arkansas State Junior Youth Talent Contest is divided into 4 Regions. Find the Region for your fair and come on that day.

CONTESTANTS MUST BE ON TIME FOR ALL PHASES OF THE COMPETITION.

REGIONS

SOUTHWEST NORTHWEST NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
10/18 10/19 10/20 10/21
Clark Baxter Clay Arkansas
Columbia Benton Cleburne Ashley
Garland Boone Fulton Bradley
Hempstead Carroll Greene Calhoun
Hot Spring Conway Independence Chicot
Howard Crawford Izard Cleveland
Lafayette Franklin Lawrence Dallas
Little River Johnson Mississippi Desha
Miller Logan Poinsett Drew
Montgomery Madison Randolph Faulkner
Nevada Marion Sharp Grant
Pike Newton St. Francis Jefferson
Saline Perry Stone Lincoln
Sevier Polk Three County Lonoke
Union Pope Tri – County Ouachita
Four State Scott Van Buren Prairie
SW District Searcy White Pulaski
Capitol City Sebastian N Central District
Washington NE District
Yell NE Region
AR-OK
NW District

YOU WILL BE ENTERING THE FAIRGROUNDS THROUGH GATE 11. VARIOUS GROUPS MAY BE ARRIVING AT THE SAME TIME.  THIS INCLUDES SCHOOL BUSES AND LIVESTOCK TRAILERS, RESULTING IN POSSIBLE DELAYS AT THE GATE.  ALLOW YOURSELF TIME.  IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE HAVE YOUR CONTEST DIRECTOR CONTACT THE STATE FAIR OFFICE AT

501-372-8341 OR BY EMAIL:  talent@gmail.com

Holiday Inn
I-440 Airport Exit
501-490-1000
Offering discount room rates for contestants at the Arkansas State Fair & Livestock Show

Access to Gate 11 from Roosevelt Road:
South on Schiller Street, along the East fence of the fairgrounds, to the end at Gate 11 on your right. Security staff will assist with directions to appropriate buildings and parking instruction.

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Please type or print in ink. This form must be turned into the Arkansas State Fair office 5 days after Representing Fair is completed. All paperwork must be submitted by the Director of the Fair Talent Contest.
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BY SIGNATURE ABOVE, CONTESTANTS AND PARENTS ACKOWLEDGE THEY HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THE RULES OF THIS CONTEST AND FURTHER CERTIFY THAT CONTESTANTS ARE NOT PAID PERFORMERS OR INSTRUCTORS OF THE ARTS.
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