Frequently Asked Questions

The SPJST State Youth Showcase is an annual statewide event celebrating the creativity, talent, and leadership of SPJST youth members (grades K–12) from across Texas. Youth compete in creative arts, live talent performances, public speaking, and more — and the event is open to the public at no charge.

The Showcase is organized by SPJST (Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas), a Czech-heritage fraternal benefit organization that has served Texas families since 1897. The Youth and Adult Division (YAD) coordinates the Showcase each year.

Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center
3033 N Third St · Temple, TX 76504

No. Admission is completely free. Parking is also free. There is no cost to watch any of the performances, browse the art gallery, or visit the Country Store.

Plan to arrive by 9:00 a.m. for the Opening Ceremonies, which include the Flag Presentation, National Anthem, Beseda Dance Exhibition, and welcome remarks. The Talent Competition follows. The Creative Arts Display Room and Country Store open at 11:00 a.m. and run until 2:30 p.m.

Free parking is available directly at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center. No parking pass or fee is required.

Absolutely! The Showcase is a welcoming event for all ages. Whether you're there to cheer on a contestant or simply enjoy a day of live entertainment and art, the whole family will have a great time.

Yes. The Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center is ADA accessible, with designated parking spaces, entrance ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout the facility.

Photography and personal video recording are generally allowed at the Showcase. Please be courteous of other guests — avoid blocking sightlines and keep flash use minimal during live performances.

Yes! The Talent Show is open to all attendees. Seating in the main hall is first-come, first-served. Performances begin at 9:30 a.m. and include solos, group acts, and Beseda folk dance exhibitions.

Yes, registration for the 2026 Showcase is closed. We look forward to seeing all the participants compete! If you'd like to participate in a future Showcase, visit spjst.org for information about SPJST membership and upcoming events.

Youth members of SPJST enrolled in grades K–12 who hold an active SPJST life insurance or annuity certificate are eligible to compete. Attendance as a spectator is open to everyone — no membership required.

There are four main competition areas:

Creative Arts — Painting, drawing, photography, handicraft, science displays, video shorts, and more.

Talent Contest — Solo and group performances including singing, instruments, dance, skits, and Beseda folk dance.

Legacy Leaders — Age-based public speaking and presentation divisions (Tiny, Little, Junior, and Mr./Miss SPJST).

Youth Group Contest — Scrapbook (traditional or video) and Country Store sales (ornaments and sweet rolls).

Youth may enter multiple categories across different contest areas. Each category may have its own entry limits. Refer to the official 2026 Guidebook for specific rules per category.

Each category uses its own judging criteria. In general, judges evaluate originality, technical skill, presentation, and effort. Talent performances are scored on technique, rendition, stage presence, and overall merit. Full rubrics for every category are available in the official Guidebook.

Awards are presented during the Awards Ceremony on Saturday afternoon, following the completion of the Legacy Leaders competition. The exact time will be announced as the program is finalized. Winners must be present to receive their award.

Beseda is a traditional Czech folk dance that is part of SPJST's cultural heritage. Youth groups may perform Beseda as part of the Talent Contest. It's a wonderful way to celebrate and share the Czech-Texas tradition that SPJST was founded on.

The SPJST Ambassadors Scholarship Program is a new addition to the Legacy Leaders competition for high school students (9th–12th grade competing as Mr. & Miss SPJST). Top contestants in this division are eligible for scholarship funds. Participants submit a community service platform and are evaluated through a competitive interview process.

The Country Store is a section of the Showcase where participating youth sell handmade and homemade items they've created as part of the Youth Group Contest. It's a great opportunity to support the students and take home a memento from the event.

Handmade Christmas ornaments ($10 minimum donation) and homemade sweet rolls ($20 minimum donation), all crafted by participating SPJST youth. All money goes directly to the youth member who made the item.

The Country Store is open on Saturday, July 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Items go fast, so stop by before the afternoon wraps up!

Yes! All proceeds from Country Store sales go directly to the participating youth or youth group. Buying from the Country Store is a wonderful way to support the students at the Showcase.

The complete 2026 Showcase Guidebook is available on SPJST's Issuu page. It contains full contest rules, entry requirements, judging criteria, eligibility information, and more.

For questions about the 2026 SPJST State Youth Showcase, please visit spjst.org and use the contact information listed there to reach the SPJST Home Office.

SPJST membership is open to all Texas families. Members who hold a life insurance or annuity certificate (including children) are eligible to participate in events like the Youth Showcase. Visit spjst.org or contact the SPJST Home Office to learn more about joining.