MALONE -- Local entertainment will be highlighted on a new performance stage added this summer to the Franklin County Agricultural Society's annual fair.

Talent can win people anywhere from $100 up to $1,000 during the competitions at the 2008 fair, which runs Aug. 2 to 10 in Malone.

The main stage at the Coca-Cola Grandstand is reserved for the larger, international acts, like classic rocker Eddie Money, "American Idol" finalist Bucky Covington and rising country stars Jason Michael Carroll and Phil Vassar.

Other grandstand acts include the New York State Sire Stakes and New York-Vermont harness-racing events, the tractor pull and two days of demolition-derby action, as well as bull riding and motor-cross events.

But Stage II will have three afternoons of talent competition, two days of the North Country's version of the smash NBC show "Deal or No Deal" and a Saturday afternoon Battle of the Bands blowout, said Fair Board President Pat Maneely.

HELP FROM YMCA

Maneely said the Board of Directors wanted to add the stage but were unsure how best to use it its first year.

A committee made of board members Dave St. Mary, Maneely, Lloyd White and Dale Chapin brainstormed ideas.

But with all of the board's regular fair-related duties, no one had time to oversee the events.

That's when Maneely approached YMCA Director Michelle Schumacher for help and ideas.

"I knew they were doing a talent show over there so I said, What about doing it at the fair?' she said, adding that Schumacher was very enthusiastic.

COMPETITIONS

Elimination rounds for each event will be held at the YMCA at the corner of Webster and Main streets in mid-July.

Franklin County Has Talent contestants will try out from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 14. All forms of family-oriented entertainment can be presented, and there is no age limit for contestants.

The talent competition at the fairgrounds begins from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, followed by 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, and the finals from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6.