PORTLAND, Ind. — Stars in the Park 2017 talent competition presented by the Jay County Chamber of Commerce will begin later this summer.

“We are now recruiting talent to audition for this year’s event,” said organizers. “The competition offers a grand prize of $1,250 and a total prize package of $2,500. For contest rules and an audition form, go to www.StarsinthePark.com and enter by May 12. Auditions will be held or Video submissions viewed the latter part of May.”

Over the last four years, 256 local and regional contestants have competed to win the grand prize and $10,000 has been given out in prize money.

“This year we will hold four quarter-final events on June 29, July 6, July 20 and July 27 with 12 contestants each,” the organizers said. “Four contestants from each of the quarter-final events will move to the finals. On Aug. 4, we will crown our fifth Grand Prize winner and present them a check for $1,250. Could it be you? Stars in the Park 2017 stands to be special because it is our fifth year.”

Stars in the Park 2017 is open to individuals or small groups involved in singing, dance, playing an musical instrument, comedy, cheerleading, gymnastics, ventriloquism, acrobatics, magic, impressions, juggling or any number of other abilities that can be showcased on stage. The talent competition is spread over five nights during the summer presented by the Jay County Chamber of Commerce. All five events this year will be held at the Amphitheater at Hudson Family Park on South Wayne Street in Portland, Indiana.