I didn't notice until recently that the first event of the fall is on August 9, this is a fair bit earlier then the first event usually is and I was wondering if this is going to been the norm from now on or if there is another reason?

Late August is always the goal start time for the fall season (and a late October for the second event), and that's what we've got for 2014 and 2015. I can't speak to what scheduling conflicts may have popped up while scheduling 2013, but I know we didn't have the luxury of scheduling them as early as we might have liked, so conflicts are bound to pop up.

If you look at the YOC calendar:
www.yeoldecommons.com
...you'll see August is just straight up booked hard.

My process for scheduling events goes about like this:

1) Harald lets us know that (year) is open for booking.
2) I make a list of all available dates
3) Cross reference with list of all major holidays - Halloween, Easter, etc - and cross those dates out
4) Pick two dates in spring and two in fall that are about eight weeks apart
5) Double check with eBoard that everything looks good
6) Double check with Winged Throne that everything looks good
7) Reply to Harald with preferred dates, crossing fingers that no one else has gotten their greedy paws on them in that time
8) Drink a victory beer

Speaking of... looks like 2015 dates are finalized with YOC I should announce that!

I see, well with it will be easier to plan with event registered years in advance.