FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, AUG. 9, 2011

Premiums offered for a song in N.C. Mountain State Fair
gospel singing competitions

FLETCHER — The N.C. Mountain State Fair is looking for talented junior, youth and gospel groups from North Carolina to participate in the fair’s gospel-singing competitions, to be held Saturday, Sept. 10, at 9 a.m. on the Heritage Stage. More than $2,000 in premiums will be awarded during the event.

“Western North Carolina is full of strong vocalists,” said Matt Buchanan, N.C. Mountain State Fair manager. “The gospel competitions offer a great opportunity for these singers to share their talents with fairgoers on stage.”

Premiums will be awarded to the top three winners in each class: junior solo, for ages 6-10; youth solo, for ages 11-16; adult solo, for performers over the age of 16; youth group, consisting of members between the ages of 6 and 16; and adult group, consisting of members over the age of 16. First place in each solo class wins $150, second receives $100 and third earns $50. First place in each group division takes home $300, second wins $200 and third receives $100. Choirs participating in the group competition can have no more than eight performers.

Singers will be given 10 minutes to perform two songs, and performances will be judged on appearance, presentation and quality, originality and professionalism. A professional sound system will be provided.

Entry forms for the competitions are due Aug. 26. Forms are available on the N.C. Mountain State Fair website at www.mountainfair.org or in the premium book. Copies of the premium book can be picked up at the Western N.C. Ag Center or the Western N.C. Farmers Market in Asheville.

The N.C. Mountain State Fair will be held Sept. 9-18 at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher. A complete fair schedule is available online at www.mountainfair.org. Questions may be directed to (828) 687-1414.