The Mower County Fair is around the corner, so gifted residents may want to brush up on their skills for the annual talent show.

The show will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Godfather’s Fair Square. Contestants will compete for money and the opportunity to perform at the Minnesota State Fair.

This year’s judges have some experience themselves. Guitarist and head of the DC Drifters, Denny Charnecki of Austin, has played with the Dottie West Show of Grand Ole Opry, many other professional bands and has won the Lifetime Achievement Award twice from the Midwest Country Hall of Fame.

Joining him on the judges’ bench will be Ann Hemann of Austin. Ann plays keyboard and sings with the DC Drifters. She has played with several professional groups such as the Diamonds and The Coasters.

There are three divisions for contestants: 12 and younger, 13 to 19 and 20 or older. Three winners are chosen from each division. First place winners from each division go on to perform at the Minnesota State Fair. Prize money on the county level is the same in each division: $40 for first place, $30 for second place, and $20 for third place. A sound system is provided.

Contestants can get entry forms in fair books from libraries and banks within the county or online at mowercountyfair.com. Anyone in Mower County can enter the contest for $10. Deadline for entries is Aug. 11. For more information, call Vandy Newman at 507-437-4437, the fair office at 507-433-1868, or e-mail mowfair@smig.net.