The Wolf, 95.3, will participate in the 32nd annual Texaco Country Showdown from June through July.

St. Lawrence County qualifying rounds will be held June 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Old Smokehouse in Madrid; July 11 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Potsdam Summer Festival; and July 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ogdensburg Seaway Festival.

The showdown is a country music talent search and radio promotion featuring three qualifying rounds and a grand finale at the St. Lawrence County Fair in Gouverneur Wednesday, July 31 at 8:15 p.m.

Approximately $200,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded nationwide, including a grand prize of $100,000 in cash to the national winner.

Thousands of performers compete annually for the country showdown title.

Each year, hometown talent contests are sponsored by over five hundred local radio stations across the country. Local winners advance to over forty state contests with prizes including $1,000 in cash and the opportunity to compete at one of five regional contests.

The five regional winners receive an expense-paid trip to the national finale to compete for $100,000 and the national title.

“We consider the Texaco Country Showdown one of the most anticipated events in country music each year,” said 95.3 The Wolf Program Director Ray Knight. “It is an exciting community event that provides aspiring artists in our area an opportunity for state, regional and national exposure while promoting a greater appreciation of country music.”

Open to vocal and/or instrumental performers, the Texaco Country Showdown welcomes individual acts or groups with up to seven members.

Groups must not have performed on a record charted in the top 100 country format of Billboard within eighteen months preceding the local competition.

A $20 entry fee will apply. To ensure fairness, a uniform judging system is used at all levels of competition.

Entry forms are available at 95.3 The Wolf studios during normal business hours or by calling 393-1100 or from Ray Knight at wolfmanrayknight@gmail.com.