This year’s judges for the Mower County Fair Talent Show will be former Riverland Theatre Director Jerry Girton and longtime theater guru Penny Kinney.

Girton directed presentations at Riverland for more than 20 years and retired in 2011. Girton, who is originally from Grand Meadow and attended Austin Junior College and Mankato State University, now does freelance directing and has been working with the University of Wisonsin-La Crosse.

Kinney, who still works for Hormel Foods and lives in Austin, is originally from Rose Creek and has been involved in local theater for more than 30 years.

“I can remember when she was active in the theater,” said Vandy Newman, talent show coordinator. “She has always been active in theater, and as a kid.”

Kinney has been involved with Summerset, Matchbox and Riverland theaters. She also graduated from Mankato State University.

The show will be 1 p.m. Aug. 10 on the Fair Square Stage. The format features three divisions: 12 and younger, 13 to 19 and an open division. Those who won their divisions last year are required to move up a division.

Cash prizes will be given to first through third places in each division. First-place winners will earn a trip to the talent contest at the Minnesota State Fair.

Applications are available at participating banks and libraries around the county, in the Mower County Fair booklet, at the Mower County Fair Office. Entry fee is $10, and deadline is Thursday, Aug. 8. A complete list of rules is listed on the application.

For more information, call Newman at 507-438-2237.