Official Rules

Entry & Prizes

• The cost to enter this contest is $5.00.
• Entry fees are non-refundable unless otherwise determined by State Line Heritage Days.
• Prizes are as follows:
  Ages 10 & Under: 1st Place:$25.
  Ages 11 to 17: 1st Place: $25.
  Ages 18 & Over: 1st Place: $25.

Registration & Check-In

• All contestants must register before participating.
• Registration will be held at the corner of Oak and Columbia Streets.
• Contest registrations should be received no later than 30 minutes prior to the event start, unless a different deadline is provided.
• Contestants must check in before the contest begins.
• Late entries may not be accepted once the contest has started.
• State Line Heritage Days may limit the number of contestants based on time, space, or event capacity.

Eligibility

• This contest is open to amateur performers only.
• Professional performers are not allowed to enter. Anyone who has professionally recorded or performed may be considered a professional.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• Contestants may be required to sign a waiver before participating.
• Contestants who have won this contest two consecutive years must skip one year before entering again.
• Contestants must follow all State Line Heritage Days Committee General Rules and Regulations.

Contest Format

• Contestants will compete individually.
• Contestants may draw for their performance order.
• Contestants must be ready to perform when their contestant number or name is called.
• Contestants who are not ready when called may be skipped and eliminated from the competition.
• Each contestant will perform one song unless otherwise announced by contest officials.

Contest-Specific Rules

• Song selections must come from the on-site karaoke DJ music library only.
• Contestants may not use their own karaoke tapes, discs, digital files, or backing tracks.
• Personal microphones, sound equipment, or audio effects may not be used unless approved by contest officials.
• Songs must be appropriate for a public, family-friendly event.
• Songs containing excessive profanity, hate speech, or offensive content will be denied.
• Live instruments are not permitted unless approved by contest officials.
• Contestants must not tamper with microphones, speakers, music equipment, or sound settings.
• Costumes and props are allowed as long as they are safe, family-friendly, and do not interfere with the performance or equipment.

Judging & Winner Determination

• Contestants will be judged using a point system.
• Judging may include the following categories:
  • Singing Ability
  • Showmanship
  • Creativity
  • Crowd Appeal
• Winners will be determined by the judges’ scores.
• Score sheets and scoring information will not be released to contestants or the general public.
• In the event of a tie, the contestant with the highest Singing Ability score will be the winner.
• If a tie remains, the contestant with the highest Showmanship score will be the winner.
• If a tie still remains, the judges will make the final decision by majority vote.
• Judges’ decisions are final.
• Winners will be announced at the end of the contest.

Safety & Conduct

• Contestants must follow all instructions from contest officials, the DJ, volunteers, and event staff.
• Contestants must behave respectfully toward judges, volunteers, spectators, the DJ, and other contestants.
• Unsafe, disruptive, or disrespectful behavior may result in disqualification.
• Contestants may not interfere with another contestant’s performance.
• Alcohol or substance impairment that affects participation may result in disqualification.

Disqualification

• Providing false registration information.
• Performing when not eligible.
• Failing to appear when called.
• Using unapproved music, equipment, microphones, or audio effects.
• Choosing or performing inappropriate song content.
• Tampering with sound equipment or contest materials.
• Attempting to influence the judges.
• Interfering with another contestant.
• Unsafe, unsportsmanlike, or disrespectful behavior.
• Failure to follow instructions from contest officials.

General Rules

• Recordings of the contest will not be provided by State Line Heritage Days.
• State Line Heritage Days may photograph, video, or record the contest for promotional purposes.
• All entries are subject to the State Line Heritage Days Committee General Rules and Regulations.
• State Line Heritage Days reserves the right to clarify rules, adjust procedures, or make final decisions as needed for safety, fairness, or event operations.
• Contest officials have final authority during the event.