State Fair looking for bands to compete in Battle of the Bands

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. —  The Nebraska State Fair is calling on all musicians and singers. 

The Nebraska State Fair announced Thursday that it is accepting applications for a chance to perform on the main stage.

The application period is from Thursday to March 17 for the Fairest Showdown: Battle of the Bands. 

Each band is asked to submit a recording of one original song and one cover song. The application is free for amateur bands, and all members must be 16 or older. 

The public and a panel of judges will be involved in the process of narrowing down the contestants to seven semifinalists. 

The semifinalists will perform live at Hear Grand Island over the summer. Five finalists will then perform live at the State Fair in the Fairest Showdown Championship on Aug. 26 at the Pump & Pantry Party Pit. 

There will be a grand prize of $2,000 and the chance to open on the main stage for the winner. The runner up will take $1,000 and a chance to open on the main stage, while 3rd place only wins $500. 

The Nebraska State Fair will be from Aug. 24 through Sept. 4 in Grand Island.