Aspiring songwriters, performers and groups who would like to participate in the 19th local Texaco Country Showdown may enter through noon Friday.

KQKI 95.3 FM in Bayou Vista teamed up with the Patterson Cypress Sawmill Festival for the event, which will be held April 5 at Kemper Williams Park in Patterson.

Contestants will use musical tracks instead of a live backup band, and performers have the option of playing instruments or entering as a band.

Some 400 radio stations across the U.S. participate in the annual event, which is the world’s largest country music talent contest, Julie Boyne, KQKI general manager, said.

Contestants in the local contest vie for cash prizes. Winners receive $100 for first, $75 for second and $50 for third. The first place winner will move on to compete in the state competition in the fall. The winner of the state finals receives $1,000 and advances to one of six regional finals held throughout the country.

Applications are available from several locations:

—A.J. Dohmann Chevrolet and Chrysler, 802 Robinson Rd., Berwick

—Check Cashers Inc., 1022 Brashear Ave., Morgan City

—Lirette Ford, 6310 U.S. 90, Morgan City

—Courtesy Toyota and Mazda, 1105 Brashear Ave., Morgan City

—Courtesy Pre-owned, 2017 Main St., Franklin

—Joe’s Boots and Work Clothes, 902 Seventh St., Morgan City

Applications, entry fees and music tracks must be turned in to KQKI, 128 Pluto St., Bayou Vista, by noon Friday.

For more information, visit www.kqki.com.