The Youth Talent Contest will return to the Great Smoky Mountains Railway Railfest on Sept. 17 in Bryson City.

The contest will give the opportunity for youth up to age 18 to share their talents. Participants in this contest must exhibit a talent that will reflect heritage and old Appalachian ways of our region. Applications are due by Sept. 1.

Categories include poetry/storytelling, vocal performance, instrumentalists and dance.

Trophies are offered for first- second- and third-place winners. First-Place Best of Show winner will have the opportunity of playing on the Heritage Stage at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Day.

To register, download the application from www.spirirofappalachia.org and mail to Jackson County 4-H, 538 Scotts Creek Road, Sutie 205, Sylva, N.C., 28779, email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax to 828.586.5009.

For more information, call 828.586.4009 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..