Local talents qualify for State Fair Galaxy of Stars

GRAND ISLAND -- A number of local performers are among the winners of the 2016 Galaxy of Stars Talent Search Video Contest and local Participating Partner Searches, according to Nebraska State Fair and Vision Productions Inc.

The have qualified to advance to the Galaxy of Stars® Talent Search Semi-Finals at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Sept. 3 from 6-- 9 p.m.

Contestants compete live on the Bristol Windows Stage at Fonner Park in Grand Island in Three Age Divisions, Comets, Shooting Stars and Novas. The Galaxy of Stars® Talent Search Finals & Awards Ceremony will be Sunday, Sept. 4 from 6 -- 9 p.m. Over $9,000.00 in prizes, cash, trophies will be presented at the Awards Ceremony following the Finals competition. Overall Vocalist will receive a Nashville Recording Package

Local 2016 GALAXY OF STARS® Talent Search Contestants Qualified to Advance to the Semi-Finals at the Nebraska State Fair:

Highest Scoring Video Contestants Advancing to Semi-Finals:

NOVAS (19 & Over): Christopher "Dozer" Lewis, Vocal, McCook.

Partner Talent Search Winners Advancing to Semi-Finals:

105.3 Coyote Country Music Showdown - McCook:

Stella Klingelhoefer, Comet, Vocal, Amherst; Phalen Sanford & Aubrey Frederick, Shooting Stars, Group Vocal, Benkelman; Mason Harouff, Nova, Vocal, Culbertson.

There is still an opportunity to qualify for the Galaxy of Stars® Talent Search Semi-Finals: Area talent can enter these upcoming Partner Talent Searches: Sandhills Talent Search - Mullen Aug. 6, Kool Dreams Star Search - Hastings Aug. 13, High Plains Radio Talent Search -- Imperial Aug. 18th, and Columbus Days Talent Search August 20th. Visit the Galaxy of Stars® website for details.

SONGWRITING CONTEST: Top Three Original Songs of the Galaxy of Stars® Songwriting Contest, included "Where Is Jesus," Riley Rambali, McCook.

Songwriters of the Top Three Highest Scoring Original Songs will have an opportunity to showcase their songs on Sunday, September 4th at the Galaxy of Stars® Talent Search Finals on the Bristol Windows Stage from 6 to 9 p.m. at Fonner Park in Grand Island.

Songwriters of the Top Three Original Songs will be presented with prizes, cash, trophies and recording sessions at Ware House Productions in Omaha. Medals will be presented to songwriters of the Top Ten Original Songs.

The 2016 Nebraska State Fair opens August 26th and will run through Labor Day, Sept. 5.

Visit www.statefair. org and www.galaxyofstarstalentsearch.com for more information.