BILL RILEY TALENT SHOW
The history of the Bill Riley Talent Show dates back to 1957, when Iowa native Bill Riley approached the Iowa State Fair about showcasing talented kids during the State Fair. Two years' later, the first Bill Riley Talent Search was held. This competition has continued as a tradition throughout the state and at over 100 local qualifying shows. After qualify at local shows, participates go through seven days of preliminary competition, semi-finals, and finally the championship show at the Iowa State Fair.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Bill Riley Talent Search is to serve as a developmental platform for young Iowans involved in the performing arts. By maintaining a nurturing and educational environment, the Talent Search aims to promote self-esteem, self-discipline and self-confidence, while helping performers to achieve their goals and shoot for the stars, one performance at a time.
PARTICIPATION
The Talent Show is open to legal residents of the state of Iowa only. Acts must appear in a locally sponsored/Iowa State Fair sanctioned show somewhere in the state of Iowa and be the show qualifier to be eligible to compete at the Iowa State Fair.
Judges decisions are final. The Winneshiek County Fair is one of those sanctioned shows.
Sprouts are 2 through 12 years and Seniors are 13 through 21 years. A person’s age for the Iowa State Fair competition is determined at the time they win a local show: July 8th, 2025.
A 12-year-old (or 21-year-old) could turn 13 (or 22) by the State Fair and still be eligible in the Sprout (or Senior) division, as they met age requirements at the time of qualification.
2025 Bill Riley Talent Search Application
Entry Deadline: June 30, 2025
2025 Bill Riley Talent Search Date: July 8th at 10:30 AM
Contact Makayla Hageman at (563) 380-8933 or Michelle Brincks at (563) 419-3258
if there are any questions.
Registrations should be emailed to [email protected] or [email protected]
or mailed to the PO Box 201, Decorah, IA 52101
2025 Contestant Rules
Judges decisions are final. The Winneshiek County Fair is one of those sanctioned shows.
Sprouts are 2 through 12 years and Seniors are 13 through 21 years. A person’s age for the Iowa State Fair competition is determined at the time they win a local show: July 8th, 2025.
A 12-year-old (or 21-year-old) could turn 13 (or 22) by the State Fair and still be eligible in the Sprout (or Senior) division, as they met age requirements at the time of qualification.
2025 Bill Riley Talent Search Application
Entry Deadline: June 30, 2025
2025 Bill Riley Talent Search Date: July 8th at 10:30 AM
Contact Makayla Hageman at (563) 380-8933 or Michelle Brincks at (563) 419-3258
if there are any questions.
Registrations should be emailed to [email protected] or [email protected]
or mailed to the PO Box 201, Decorah, IA 52101
2025 Contestant Rules
PAST COMPETITIONS
