POTSDAM – Local country music artists will have a chance to compete in the 31st Annual Texaco Country Showdown at the St. Lawrence County Fair on July 31.

Country radio station 95.3 The Wolf will host America’s largest country music talent search and radio promotion, sponsored by The Blevins Family of Dealerships.

This Thursday, Potsdam’s Summerfest in downtown Potsdam, will provide the perfect atmosphere to showcase the areas talented musicians before they move onto the finals.

Acts will compete for prizes, including the opportunity to perform at the New York State Texaco Country Showdown.

State winners vie for a $1,000 cash prize and will advance to a regional competition in the fall. The five regional winners are awarded an all-expense paid trip to the national final where they will compete for $100,000 and the national title.

The contest is designed to help local musicians launch their professional careers.

The event is open to vocal and/or instrumental performers, the contest welcomes individual acts or groups with up to seven members to compete.

Acts also must not have performed on a record charted in the top 100 country format of Billboard, Radio and Records, or the Gavin Report within eighteen months preceding the competition.

To ensure fairness, a uniform judging system is used on all levels of competition.

A $20 entry fee is required of all acts. Entry forms are available at any Blevins Auto Group Dealership or by calling WLFK at 393-1100.