By Cliff Johnson

Steamboat Days’ first-ever “Carver’s Got Talent” contest will take place Friday and Saturday night, Sept. 5 and 6 at the main stage near Broadway and Main Street.

The contest pays big money: $500 for first place, $250 for second place and $100 for third place.In addition to the cash prizes, winners will be invited to ride in the Steamboat Days parade on Sunday.

The contest is open to all ages and talents and will be judged by “fair and impartial judges” (a panel of Carver business owners) at both Friday’s auditions and Saturday’s finals, said Julie Peak, talent contest chair.

Auditions will begin on Friday at 4 p.m. on the main stage. Finals will begin on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.A $5 registration fee for each act will be donated to the Eagle Ridge Family Picnic and to Steamboats Days.

Talent acts will be limited to 1-1/2 minutes, said Peak, and there will be no limits on types of acts at Friday’s audition.

Some acts may not progress to the final phase, Peak said. Participants must furnish their own music, instruments, props and costumes. The committee will provide sound and microphones.

What: A new Steamboat Days show looking for local talent

Auditions: 4 p.m., Sept. 5 at the Lions Tent main stage. Audition time per act is limited to 1 minute 30 seconds. (You needed to register by Sept. 2)

Finals: 3:30 p.m. in the gazebo

Judges: A panel of Carver business owners

Sponsors: Steamboat Days, Accolent Mediation and My Bookkeeper Inc. of Carver