Contestants compete in Four Age Divisions:
Under age 17
Age 18 – 50
Age 51 - 70
Over age 70

Judges are recognized statewide as masters in the old time traditional music and dance. Over $1000 in prizes and gift certificates will be awarded to the winners.

Contestants taking wins in last year's contest ranged in age from 10 to 85. The musicians accompanying them are Travis Bentley, fiddle; Rebecca Kraft, mandolin; David Scrivner, guitar, and Karen Kraft, banjo.

Advertising for the contest includes newspapers and radio throughout the Ozarks region, television ads in the Springfield, Memphis, TN and Jonesboro, AR markets. The contest is advertised nationwide through the state Folk Arts programs across the country.