Michael Linig's has been a Louisville seafood tradition since 1925, and they've been building a tradition at the state fair as well. Their tent is the host of the "So, you think you can sing?" karaoke contest, which began in 2008. The grand prize for the adult category is $1,000; kids - $50; teens - $100.
I have been lucky enough to make it through to the finals of said contest and am looking forward to performing this Saturday and Sunday. It hasn't been an easy journey so far. I qualified on the opening night of the fair, competing with 19 others. Long wait times in the heat, allergens such as animal dander, and intermittent clouds of cigarette smoke aren't the best for your vocal chords, but it didn't seem to stop anyone. Some of the talent is top of the line, although it is mostly country music. Anything veering from country seems to be along the lines of "Mustang Sally". The second night of the contest was traumatic to my feet. I ripped them up trying to get to the table in time.
We were supposed to be there by 7 p.m. to register, but I was still sitting in traffic on Crittenden Dr. at 6:50. I did not want to get disqualified for being late, so I jumped out in the middle of traffic and high tailed it down Crittenden Drive in my evening gown and dress shoes (from a fundraiser I'd just been to) and then ran barefoot across the parking lot (after peeling off the shoes that were cutting the back of my feet up) to make it at 7:04. Whew! I found great news: they were waiting until 8:30 to draw order because everyone was stuck in traffic. I was safe from disqualification but am still hobbling around from the ripped up skin on my feet (and stage burn on one knee from the amazing power slide - but that's another story in itself).
I share this anecdote to warn you of one thing. If you have to be somewhere at the fair by a certain time on the weekends, plan for at least an hour of traffic time. That's how long it ended up taking my friend to get the car into the fairgrounds. Either that or be prepared to park a good distance away and walk. You might get lucky and hate me for arriving earlier than you needed to, but I think you're better safe than sorry.
The qualifying rounds for children and teens is already over, but it's not too late to qualify in the adult division. Tonight is the last qualifying round for adults. If you qualify, you will be given a ticket to return and move onto the semi-final round tomorrow night. You must register tonight between 5 and 7 p.m. The singing starts about 8:30 p.m. It costs $5 to enter, and it is suggested that you bring your own CD but not necessary. The finals for adults will be Saturday and Sunday (Augst 27, 28) at 7 p.m. (Sign in 5-7 p.m.). Finals for children and teens are Friday and Saturday (August 26, 27).
