The Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest is the largest amateur performing arts talent contest of its kind in the United States

SOUTHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI, September 5, 2017 – The Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest returns for its 64^th year during this year’s Mid-South Fair, which takes place Thursday, September 21, through Sunday, October 1 at Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi. Youth Talent Contest hours are 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, September 22; 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. Saturday, September 23; 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, September 24; 6 p.m. Monday, September 25, to Friday, September 29; 10 a.m. Saturday, September 30, and 2 p.m. Sunday, October 1. More information is available athttp://www.midsouthfair.com.

Recognized as the largest amateur performing-arts youth talent competition of its kind in the nation, the Youth Talent Contest has been one of the most popular events at the Mid-South Fair for much of the fair’s 161 years in business. The Youth Talent Contest has served as a stepping-stone for many noteworthy performers over the years, including megastars such as Elvis Presley, Justin Timberlake, and Michael Buble.

Among other well-known names who have performed in the Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest:

• Lance Bass, pop singer for N’Sync.
• Clay Cross, gospel singer.
• Wendy Moten, jazz, R&B and pop vocalist.
• Jimmy Davis, singer-songwriter.
• Whitney Branan, “The Blind Side”; “Billy Elliot” touring and Broadway; Upright Citizens Brigade.

The performers who will be featured during the week of the Mid-South Fair emerged from among thousands of contestants from eight states in more than 150 preliminary competitions sponsored by clubs, schools, county fairs and civic groups. Categories for performance include dance solo, dance group, variety acts (solo and group), instrumental solo, instrumental group/band, vocal solo (male and female) and vocal group.

“The Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest is proud to continue its 64-year tradition of discovering up-and-coming youth talent and providing opportunities for these young people to take their talents to the next level,” said Debbie Branan, Chair of the Youth Talent Contest. “So many young people these days are inspired to pursue the performing arts by watching talent shows on TV, so it’s wonderful to offer this exciting outlet for their hard work and talents right here in the Mid-South.”

About Landers Center:

Landers Center is a 10,000-seat multipurpose arena and entertainment provider that hosts numerous national touring acts, family shows and sporting events; located in Southaven, Mississippi. Built in 2000 and home to the Mississippi RiverKings, a Southern Professional Hockey League team, and the Memphis Hustle, the Memphis Grizzlies’ G-League team of the NBA Developmental League; Landers Center hosts over 600 events annually and offers a 10,000-seat multipurpose arena; a 17,000-square-foot convention center; 400-seat theater, and a large parking lot that boasts nearly 3,000 parking spaces that hosts outdoor events including the Mid-South Fair. For more information, please visit:www.landerscenter.com/.

About the Mid-South Fair:
The Mid-South Fair is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community service organization dedicated to educating and connecting the region to its agricultural heritage by promoting local industry, providing safe family-oriented entertainment, and rewarding agricultural and craft achievement through an annual exposition. For more information, please visit:www.midsouthfair.com.

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