The selection committee will be reviewing entries and selecting approximately 25 finalists who will perform up to 2 songs live on stage Saturday, August 6th, 2005. Entries must be received by June 1st, 2005 and finalists will be announced shortly thereafter.

Songs must generally fit the folk music, family oriented genre, must have a title, and must be an original. No obscenities or offensive lyrics will be allowed and entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Artists are encouraged to enter songs that exhibit life in Northern Minnesota. Songs will be judged according to the following criteria:
- Creativity
- Performance
- Lyrical Content
- Instrument
- Appeal/Listenability
- Northern Minnesota / Rural Appeal

Interested artists can read complete contest details and enter online at: www.FestivalBrew.com . Entries can also enter by sending a sample of their work to:

Highway 61 Folks Festival Committee
2516 County Road 61
Carlton, Minnesota 55718

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 performances, and all finalists will receive a care package including meal and beverage tickets, guitar accessories, and a chance to appear on the 4th Annual Highway 61 Songwriters Collection CD.

All performances will be recorded and 12-14 songs will be selected for the 4th Annual Songwriters Collection CD. All proceeds from the sale of this CD will go directly towards improving the Highway 61 Folks Festival. The 3rd Annual Songwriters Collection CD is available at the Electric Fetus in Duluth or online at www.FestivalBrew.com.

The Highway 61 Folks Festival is held annually during the first weekend of
August in Mahtowa, Minnesota; there is no admission charge. As a non-profit
organization, past financial support for the Highway 61 Folks Festival has been
provided through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council and the
generosity of local businesses, friends and neighbors. The Highway 61 Folks
Festival utilizes an all-volunteer staff that donates hundreds of hours of their time to plan and carry out the festival each year.

The Highway 61 Folks Festival Committee is also looking for sponsorship to help produce and promote this unique, community-based, family-orientated event. If you would like to help give local artists and musicians an opportunity for performance and exposure please contact the Highway 61 Folks Festival Committee at:
Highway 61 Folks Festival Committee
2516 County Road 61
Carlton, Minnesota 55718
Phone: 218.389.6668
E-mail: rowjamesrow@msn.com