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Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2004
STATE FAIR SPECIAL EVENTS TENT ADDS TO LONG LIST OF ATTRACTIONS WITH ILLINOIS' BEST CHEERLEADER COMPETITION
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois State Fair’s Special Events Tent, often drawing in the curious fairgoer for one of the many creative and wild contests that are organized, has added more events this year with the new Illinois’ Best Cheerleader Competition and the new Super Stunts Competition. The events are both scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21.
“In years past, the Cheerleading and Pom Pon competition during the fair has drawn a large number of participants. This is just one more way that we can better accommodate the interests of the general public as well as make available another exciting opportunity for young adults to demonstrate their skills,” said Mark Kolaz, Deputy Director of the Illinois State Fair.
The Illinois' Best Cheerleader Competition will be a three-part contest. Cheerleaders will be judged based on individual performance in each of three categories that include: best jumper, best dancer, and best tumbler. Scores will be added and the competitor with the highest point total after the three rounds of competition will be crowned the winner.
The Super Stunts Competition consists of all-girl and co-ed stunt teams. Teams will consist of four female members with one spotter. Co-ed teams will consist of one female member and one male member with spotter. Participants for the cheerleader competition and the super stunt competition may enter day of the contest; however, early registration is recommended due to the number of contestants entering.
Additional contests that are scheduled include the Fiddle and Banjo and the Auctioneer’s Bid Calling contest, which are scheduled for the Lincoln Stage on Aug. 14 at 12:30 p.m. and Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. Each contestant in the Fiddle and Banjo will twang their banjo to the tune of one hoedown song and one waltz song. Competitors will be divided into three age categories. Registration will be available from 9-10:15 a.m. the day of the contest.
The Baton Twirling Contest begins on Sunday, Aug. 15 at 9 a.m. The Baton Twirling Contest is open to everyone and categories are based on age. Solo and group competition is available. Winners in each division will twirl off for the grand championship and the opportunity to act as the Governor’s Baton Host. All Entries must be postmarked by July 31.
The Cutest Little Farmer and the Pedal Tractor Pull contests will be held Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. The Cutest Little Farmer Contest is open to boys and girls from two to ten years old. The participants in the Pedal Tractor Pull contest will be divided into three weight divisions between (30-80lbs). The winner of the contest is determined by who can pedal the tractor down the track the farthest while pulling a weight-transferred sled. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. for the Cutest Little Farmer and at noon for the Pedal Tractor Pull in the Special Events Tent.
The Ponytail Contest will take place Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. There are two divisions: one for youngsters under 17 and an open competition for competitors 17 and over. Registration will be available at 10:15 a.m. day of contest.
The Smile Contest will follow the Ponytail Contest Aug. 20 at 1:30 p.m. It is open to children ages 5 to 15 and is separated boy/girl. Registration will begin immediately after the Ponytail Contest in the Special Events Tent.
The Decorated Diaper Contest is open to babies younger than 18 months old and will be held Aug. 20 at 3 p.m. Diapers will be judged in two categories, prettiest and craziest. Contestants may enter in one of the categories, but not both. The Diaper Derby, which is open to babies younger than one year of age, will be run Aug. 20 at 4 p.m. All babies must be in diaper attire.
Entries for the Pom Pon and Cheerleading competitions must be postmarked by July 31. Both contests will be held Saturday, Aug. 21, with the pom pon squads performing at 9 a.m. and the cheerleading squads performing at 1 p.m.
The events scheduled for Aug. 22 include: Abe’s Amble, a running event that is comprised of a 2K and 10K race at 7:30 a.m. in front of the grandstand, and the Bench Press and Deadlift Competition with weigh-ins and registration from 9:30-11 a.m. the day of the contest.
The best recipes for Chili will be put test in the Illinois State Fair Chili Cook-Off. Sampling will be available for the public. The contest will be held Aug. 22 at 11 a.m. Entry forms are available by calling the Special Events Office and are available until Aug. 20.
Talent contests will be held Aug. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 with the Talent Showcase on Aug. 20. The talent contests include: the Female Vocal Solo, the Group Vocal, the Keyboard/Instrumental and Male Vocal Solo, the Dance Solo and the Dance Group. All entries must be postmarked by July 31. All contests are at 6 p.m. during their designated fair days.
Pictures for the Baby Photo Contest must be received by July 31. The photos will be on display throughout the fair. Questions about Special Events contests should be directed to Dennis Morris at (217) 782-0777. Unless noted otherwise, all the events will be held in the Special Events tent.
For more information about Illinois State Fair contests and activities, visit the website at www.illinoisstatefair.info.
The 2004 Illinois State Fair will be held Aug. 13-22 in Springfield.
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