Attention all entertainers! Are you ready to showcase your talent and share it with the world?

We're excited for the return of the Lake County Fair Talent Contest - open to all performers aged 21 and under.

If you have a talent for singing, dancing, playing an instrument, acting, rapping, magic, or any other form of entertainment, this is your chance to shine. Show us what you've got and compete for a chance to win a cash prize, recognition from the judges and audience at the Lake County Fair, and even a chance to compete at the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs competition in Springfield, Illinois - January 2026.

JUNIOR TALENT CONTEST
Sunday, July 27 at 2:00pm
Contestants 14 years of age or under by July 23, 2025 are eligible to participate.

$20.00 entry fee per act - registration is open to the first 12 entrants.

SENIOR TALENT CONTEST
Sunday, July 27 at 4:00pm
Contestants aged 15-21 years old by July 23, 2025 are eligible to participate.

$20.00 entry fee per act - registration is open to the first 12 entrants.

1st Place =  $250

2nd Place =  $150

3rd Place =  $100

The following rules and information apply to both the Jr. and Sr. talent competitions:

• The Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake County 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 upon registration.
• Entry fee includes one ticket for each performer in the act to gain entry to the Lake County Fair on the date of the competition, Sunday July 27.

JUDGING CATEGORIES:      

Costume: 10 points
Stage Presence: 15 points
Professionalism: 10 points
Execution of Act: 15 points
Total points possible: 50 points