NMSF News:

ALBUQUERQUE — The search is on for talented performers to sing the national anthem at the 2025 New Mexico State Fair. Individual singers or small groups who are selected by the judging committee will have the unique opportunity to perform the anthem to thousands of people inside Tingley Coliseum at the beginning of a PRCA event during the 2025 State Fair. There are seven total PRCA events during the Fair and one Barrel Racing event.

Auditions will be held both in-person and virtually. Live auditions will be held from 6 p.m.–8 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2025, inside the African American Pavilion located on the fairgrounds at Expo New Mexico.

Performers choosing to audition virtually should record a video of their performance and provide a public link in the space provided on the application. Individuals and groups of all ages may audition but groups may not have more than four members. The deadline to apply for in-person auditions and to submit virtual auditions is Monday, July 28, 2025. Application and rules can be found here.

A panel of judges will evaluate all eligible auditions according to the criteria of overall appeal of the performance, accuracy of lyrics and accuracy of melody. Each winner will receive two tickets to the PRCA Rodeo/concert for the day they are performing.

The 2025 New Mexico State Fair is scheduled to run from Sept. 4-14, 2025. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit statefair.exponm.com.