The “32nd Annual Texaco Country Showdown” presented by Centra Southside Community Hospital and The Haley Auto Mall is coming to Farmville's Riverside Park, Friday July 19, at p.m. WVHL “Kickin' Country” will once again host America's largest country music talent search and radio promotion. Approximately $200,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded nationwide including the grand prize of $100,000 cash to the national winner, presented at the national final televised special.

Designed to find the most promising country music talent in the United States for the past 30 years, the Texaco Country Showdown gives aspiring artists a chance to launch their professional careers. Thousands of performers compete annually for the Country Showdown title.

Each spring hometown talent contests sponsored by over five hundred local radio stations across the country pave the road to stardom. Local winners advance to over 40 state contests where the prizes include $1,000 in cash and the opportunity to compete at one of the five regional contests in the fall. The five regional winners receive an expense-paid to the national final to compete for $100,000 and the coveted national title.

“We consider the Texaco Country Showdown one of the most anticipated events in country music each year,” said Larry Armes, operations manager at WVHL. “It is an exciting community event that provides aspiring artists in our area an opportunity for state, regional, and national exposure while promoting a greater appreciation of country music. We are pleased and proud to join Foster Insurance Agency, Millbrook Country Corner, Chick-Fil-A, Benchmark Community Bank, Key Wireless, State Farm Insurance Agent Crystal Breedlove, Carwile Auctions, Car-Go Motors, Dr. Rhonda Barksdale Algeier Family Medicine & Aesthetics, Longwood Well Drilling, Mottley Emporium, Fourth Street Motor Company, Quality Rental & Catering, Commonwealth Dentistry, Taylor Septic Service and Buffalo Creek Guitar as local sponsors in the 32nd Annual Texaco Country Showdown.”

Open to vocal and/or instrumental performers, the Texaco Country Showdown welcomes individual acts or groups with up to seven members to compete. Acts also must not have performed on a record charted in the top 100 country format of billboard, radio and records or the Gavin Report within 18 months preceding local competition. A $20 entry fee is required of all contestants entering the Texaco Country Showdown competitions produced by participating country music radio stations. To ensure fairness, a uniform judging system is used on all levels of competition. Entry forms are available on line at www.wvhl.net or by calling WVHL at 434-392-9393.