Songwriters interested in performing during Avalonfest 2011 in West Virginia in mid-August are invited to enter the festival’s annual songwriting competition. June 11 is the deadline for submission of two original songs that have not previously been entered in the competition. Recent previous winners have included Gina Holsoppple (2010), David Kleiner (2009), Kaydi Johnson (2008) and Joe Giacoio (2007).

A panel of judges will select four finalists, who will be notified by July 1. They receive two three-day festival passes, meals and a campsite, and will perform their submitted songs at Avalonfest on Aug. 12. The winner will play a paid 30-minute set the following day and will receive $300, a trophy and an invitation for a paid booking at next year’s festival.

Now in its 14th year, Avalonfest is a music, arts and craft festival that takes place August 12-14 at a clothing-optional resort and campground near Paw Paw, West Virginia. In addition to Holsopple, artists slated to perform during the festival include Mike Agranoff, The Carpenter Ants, Coyote Run, Christobel and the Jons, Gathering Time, Hot Soup!, ilyAIMY, Lost in Holland, Magpie, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, and 3 Penny Acre. Dancing, group sings, workshops, and an open mic also are slated.

The fee to enter the Avalonfest 2011 Performing Songwriter Competition is $25. A list of application procedures and contest rules can be found online at www.avalon-resort.info