1. This competition is open to contestants from Franklin, Anderson, Shelby, Henry, Owen, Scott and Woodford counties. The winner will represent Franklin County at the state competition.

 2. All Coca-Cola Division contestants must be at least 13 years of age and not more than 21 years of age as of August 1, 2008. Ages for Cloverbud and 4-H/Open Division are listed on previous page. This includes anyone assuming visual importance except piano accompanists.

 3. This contest is not open to professionals. Professional is defined as anyone who is a union member, has a professional manager, booking agent or whose principal and supporting income is derived from performing.

 4. Entries will be accepted in the following solo and group categories:

• Vocal        • Instrumental       • Variety

• Dance       • Acrobatics/Gymnastics

 5. Baton twirlers or similar acts using batons or machetes will not be accepted. No fire, smoke, or smoke effect will be allowed on the stage.

 6. For contestants entered in any vocal category, accompaniment tracks with any background vocals are strictly prohibited. This includes recorded live and/or synthetically produced voices. Lip sync is not allowed.

 7. There must be no taps or blatant tap effect on a taped recording used by a dancer.

 8. In instrumental solo, the only accompaniment allowed is a live or taped acoustical piano. In piano solo, no accompaniment is allowed. In the use of electronic keyboard, the contestant must create all sound live on stage. For State Fair competition, special exception requests must be filed in writing prior to August 1, 2008.

 9. A contestant may enter only once in any one category and may enter a total of two categories.

10. If a performer has won an invitation to the State Fair from a preliminary, he/she may not perform the same act or in the same category in another preliminary.

11. If a performer wins in two categories in the State Fair semi-finals, he/she must choose one of the two categories for his/her final performance.

12. Any act may drop a member as listed on the entry form, but MAY NOT ADD OR REPLACE any member listed on the form. An individual cannot be part of an act that is selected to compete at the State Fair if they did not perform in the preliminary.

13. ANY ACT RUNNING MORE THAN 4 MINUTES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. An official timekeeper will be present. Timing begins with first word or note and ends with last word or note.

14. All contestants will use only the lighting system as provided by the Fair.

15. All contestants will use only the sound system and sound operator as provided by the Franklin County Fair. You may use your own amps.

16. No teachers, parents or friends will be allowed on the stage during the competition.

17. No person other than those visible on the stage will be allowed backstage. This includes all parents, teachers and friends.

18. No member of a winning act may compete again in the same category for a period of two years.

19. The decision of the judges is final.

20. The contestant will be disqualified from the competition and forfeit any ribbons, plaques, trophies and prize money won for:

a. Any discourtesy to a judge or official of the Fair.
b. Any contestant, parent, teacher or friend who attempts to communicate with the judges before, during or after their adjudications.

21. All contestants, parents, teachers and friends are expected to abide by all rules and regulations of the Franklin County Fair & Horse Show.

22. All questions regarding entries, category, rules or any other issues, shall be determined by the Talent Showcase committee. Their decision is final.