Planning is underway for Yonder Mountain String Band’s 8th annual Harvest Festival, set to take place at the majestic Mulberry Mountain from October 17-19th in Ozark, Arkansas. Featuring a stellar string-centric lineup, the festival will feature two full performances with event hosts Yonder Mountain String Band along with Tedeschi Trucks Band,  Les Claypool’s Duo de Twang,  Railroad Earth,  Beats Antique,   JJ Grey and Mofro,  Kacey Musgraves,  Justin Townes Earle,  Turnpike Troubadours and Greensky Bluegrass  just to name a few.Keeping in tradition, the family friendly affair will feature a number of incredible daytime activities and onsite music competitions for attendees. Revered for its annual Fiddlin’ and Pickin’ Contest and Songwriting Competition, Harvest Festival provides an umbrella for which an incredible music community can not only come together, but flourish.The Fiddlin’ and Pickin’ Contest will take place live on the festival grounds Friday October 18th and Saturday October 19th.  The contest will feature 4 unique categories including Mandolin, Fiddle, Banjo and Flatpicking—providing ample options for those wishing to compete and plenty of morning entertainment for spectators. The winner will receive a cash prize and a prize basket full of vendor and local music store products and swag valued at over $250. Online registration for the The Fiddlin’ and Pickin’ contest is now underway at the official Harvest Festival website, and space is limited. Attendees who wish to participate in the contest are encouraged to register soon HERE.The Harvest Festival Songwriting Competition will take place in advance of the festival, allowing ­­acoustic performers to submit a short MP3 of their custom Harvest Festival song.  Event organizers are encouraging all levels of talent to participate; the only caveat to the completion is the songwriter must mention two out of 5 predetermined subjects pertaining to the festival including Harvest Music Festival, Mulberry Mountain, Yonder Mountain String Band, Ozark Mountain or Harvest Moon.   Three winners will be selected to receive a pair of 2013 Harvest festival passes and will be invited to perform their song live at Harvest Festival; with a Grand Prize package for the ultimate Harvest songwriter yet to be announced (last year’s winner received a new guitar). This is an excellent opportunity for up-and-coming musicians to share the limelight with Harvest Festival’s legendary lineup.Whether you are a beginner musician or a master fiddler and picker, Harvest welcomes all to express their talent and music!  For more information about Harvest Festival’s music contests, lineup and ticketing information, check out the official Harvest Festival website at yonderharvestfestival.com and don’t miss the activities page to view contest rules and registration information.