Talent Contest Rules
The following rules and information apply to both the Jr. and Sr. talent competitions:
Stephenson County Fair Talent Competitions are open to any amateur entertainer or group living in Illinois.
This will be a judged competition. Judging decisions are final.
State Contest: The first place winner will be eligible to represent Stephenson County at the State Talent competition in Springfield in January 2026. State contest rules will prevail and the winner, if interested in participating, will be responsible for all entry fees and associated costs. Hotel & mileage will be covered by the Fair.
Entries may include any type of talent. “Lip-sync” or signing/sign language only are not talents. Signing/sign language may enhance a talent.
Acts must be four (4) minutes or less and set up must be no more than three (3) minutes in length.
A person may compete in more than one act in the same age group, if the talent is different.
Accompaniment music CANNOT contain any like talent (if singing and using a back-up track, there may not be any backup vocals)
Applicants may be asked to come to the fairgrounds for preliminary the weekend prior to the fair.
Registrations will remain open until all spots are filled. The entry fee is due open registration.
Entry fee includes one ticket for each performer in the act to gain entry to the Fair on the date of the competition.
JUDGING CATEGORIES:
Costume: 10 points
Stage Presence: 15 points
Professionalism: 10 points
Execution of Act: 15 points
Total points possible: 50 points