POINT PLEASANT — Those interested in showcasing their musical talent as well as getting the chance to receive $100,000 can enter the 28th Annual Colgate Country Showdown.

The event is coming to the Point Pleasant Sternwheel Regatta on Saturday, July 4. According to a news release, WBYG Big Country 99 will host the event, which is noted as 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, which will be presented at the National Final televised special.

The Colgate Country Showdown is designed to find the most promising country music talent, and gives aspiring artists the chance to launch their professional careers. According to a news release, thousands of performers compete annually for the Country Showdown title. Each year, hometown talent contests are sponsored by more than 500 local radio stations across the country.

Local winners advance to more than 40 state contests where the prizes include $1,000 in cash as well as the opportunity to compete at one of the five regional contests in the fall. The five regional winners receive an expense-paid trip to the National Final to compete for $100,000 as well as the National Title.

“We consider the Colgate Country Showdown one of the most anticipated events in country music each year,” Shari Cochran, WBYG station manager, said in a news release. “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.”

The local Big Country 99 showdown will be held in two phases, with the first phase set for 6 p.m. Saturday, July 4 at Point Pleasant Riverfront Park. The second phase will follow. All ages are eligible to compete, and there is no entry fee for the first competition. Registration will start at 5 p.m. prior to the competition. Only the first 30 registered participants will be able to compete.

During the first phase of the competition, each contestant will sing a country song acappella and 12 contestants will be chosen. The 12 finalists must pay a $15 entry fee, and will be required to sing one country song. Finalists must have their own music on CD.

The Colgate Country Showdown is open to individual acts or groups with up to seven members. Acts 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 prior to the local competition. A uniform judging system will be used on all levels of competition to ensure fairness.

For more information, call WBYG at 304-675-2763.