If an individual resides in a county that does not have a county fair or a talent contest, he/she can enter only one county fair talent contest of his/her choice (if that county allows non-county resident participation) to be eligible to enter the Oregon Fairs Talent Search Finals.

Duos and/or groups must enter the state contest in the same division they entered at the county level.

Oregon Fairs Talent Search (OFTS) will only accept one contestant per division from each county.  In the event of a tie breaker at the county level, the county decides which winner will proceed to the state-level in each division.

At the county level, it is up to the county fair officials to decide which winner will proceed to the Oregon Fairs Talent Search Finals (regardless of winner's county of residence).  

An individual can only enter one talent show in one category; e.g., an individual may enter the individual category, but cannot enter as a member of a group.

Must be amateurs – No individual belongs to a musicians’ union, nor does any person’s talent provide more than 50 percent of his/her income (if income exceeds $7,500). 

Previous Winners – Previous first place winners of the Oregon Fairs Talent Search may not compete in contest for two years after their win.

Divisions – Must be entered in appropriate Division based on age of contestants at time of state fair competition date.  If the ages of a duo or group members are in different divisions, they will compete in the oldest member’s age group division at time of county fair talent show or preliminaries. 

• Children (ages 5 – 9)
• Youth (age 10 – 17) 
• Adult (ages 18 and over) 

Accompaniment – Recorded track may not include lead vocals. 

Talent Categories –Lip sync performance is not allowed.   

Selection – Selections must be appropriate for family audiences. Selections do not have to be the same as performed in the county OFTS, but the skill must be the same (for example, if won at the county-level for singing, must sing at state, but may sing a different song).

Time Limit – Performances must not exceed five minutes plus a one minute set up.

Not following any of the above guidelines will result in disqualification