HURON — Local singers can make their voices heard at the Dakota Star Talent Competition sponsored by Dakotaland Federal Credit Union at the South Dakota State Fair. More than $2,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to Dakota Star division winners.
The grand prize winner in the adult division wins the title of “2018 Dakota Star,” along with a cash prize of $1,000 and the opportunity to star in his/her own commercial promoting Dakota Star on KTTW Fox. In addition, the winner will be awarded a three-hour recording studio session with Cathouse Studio and the opportunity to perform on the NorthWestern Energy Freedom Stage during the 2019 South Dakota State Fair, as well as emcee the 2019 Dakota Star talent competition.
“I had a good time during the competition. I enjoy playing my original songs for people,” said Dayna Jones, the 2017 Dakota Star from Emery. “What’s really great is that, win or lose, you can connect and network with others who are also interested in music and songwriting.”

There are three age divisions for Dakota Star — Children (up to 11 years), Junior (12 through 17 years) and Adult (18 years and older). Applications for the 16th Annual Dakota Star Talent Competition sponsored by Dakotaland Federal Credit Union are now available online at  or at the State Fair office. The deadline for entering the talent competition is Monday, Aug. 20, at 5 p.m.
Preliminary competition begins on Friday, Aug. 31, and ends on Sunday, Sept. 2. Dakota Star finals will be held on Monday, Sept. 3. The talent competition is held on the NorthWestern Energy Freedom Stage.
Sponsors of the 2018 Dakota Star are Dakotaland Federal Credit Union and KTTW-FOX. Dakotaland Federal Credit Union has locations in Huron, Volga, Brookings, Madison, Aberdeen, Redfield, DeSmet, Mitchell, Woonsocket and Watertown. With 30,000 members and $320 million in assets, Dakotaland continues to be locally owned and operated, offering a full-line of financial services to its membership since 1935.
The 2018 South Dakota State Fair will run from Thursday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 3. Channel Seeds preview night will be Wednesday, Aug. 29. This year’s theme is “Experience the Magic.”