The deadline is approaching for players to register to compete in the Harris Piano Contest, will be held on April 25 in Austin.

Contestants must be registered by Friday.  The cost is $20 per student.  Registration information can be found on www.hormelhistorichome.org.

Children ages 6 to 18 are invited to compete for recognition and cash prizes. Participants from Mower, Dodge, Freeborn, Steele and Waseca Counties along with Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Mitchell or Worth in Iowa are welcome to register.

The contest is divided into four age categories and judges from outside Austin will critique contestants.

Contestants will compete in the preliminary round between 8 a.m. and noon at three different sites. This portion of the competition is closed to the public. The top two performers in each age group will then compete for overall winner starting at 4 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre.

The 4 p.m. competition is free and open to the public. Special guest at the afternoon contest will be a representative from the MacPhail Center for Music. Light refreshments will be served following the contest.

This is the third Harris Piano Contest to be held in Austin.  It is named for and supported by MarySue Hormel Harris, the Great-Niece of George Hormel.

MarySue’s charismatic personality, loyalty and fondness for Austin has endeared her to all who meet her.  She has gifted the Hormel Historic Home with an annual donation to support musical events at the Home, including this piano competition.