La Mirada~In what has become the premier event in La Mirada to showcase local music talent, the 4 La Mirada Kids Carnival, reaches for a new and exciting level this year.

The 18^th edition of the fair will feature an all-new Teen Battle of the Bands, hosted by the La Mirada Community Foundation and the La Mirada Youth Council. Bands will compete for a $500 first-place prize.

The event will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 20^th and 21st, the first two days of the carnival, on the grounds of Benton Middle School in La Mirada.

Junior High School and High School age bands are eligible to compete. To participate, bands must have a minimum of three members (two must play instrument through majority of performance), and all members must be ages 13-18.

Judging will be calculated using three methods, each counting for 33.3% of the possible vote: a panel of judges on site will use a point system; attendees to the carnival will vote by ballot at the event; and on-line voting will take place on the La Mirada Blog website.

Interested bands must fill out an entry form and submit it to the La Mirada Community Foundation before 5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 15, 2012.

For entry forms, a complete list of rules and regulations, or more information call (562) 943-7277.

The three-day carnival was created in 1994 as a way for community/youth groups in La Mirada to raise funds annually, and is attended by thousands. There will be rides, locally prepared food, and entertainment-including school performances.