Fiddle championship celebrates 62 years

The 62nd Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship takes place Aug. 8 to 12, featuring Canada’s top fiddlers in competition for more than $17,000 in prizes.

The championship begins with playdowns on Aug. 10 at 1pm and 7pm at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex.

Classes that will compete in the afternoon include the young (9 years of age and under, 10 to 12 years old) and the young at heart (56 and over). The other classes are in the evening.

Contest finals take place Aug. 11 at 6:30pm and will feature entertainment by the Black Family, ten children extending in age from 21 down to five years old. Their music, ranging from old-time fiddle tunes to vocal favourites from years past is a crowd favorite.

A judges’ showcase will also be part of the evening entertainment, featuring Webb Acheson, Karen Reed and Kelli Trottier.

Besides championship fiddlers, this year’s event will include a concert by Cape Ceol fiddle and step dance show, jam sessions, parade, beer garden, Battle of the Bands, pork barbecue, non-denominational church service, Aerosmith and Country Superstars tribute bands, open air market, lots of entertainment and food at the Legion, camping and more.

Ticket prices include:

– an event package, Aug. 8 to Aug. 11, $45 for adults and $22 for children 12 and under. Organizers have added the Saturday afternoon show to the event package, for an additional cost of $5 for adults.

– competition playdowns on Aug. 10, $10 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under;

– Cape Ceol Show on Aug. 11, $7 for adults and $2 for  children under 12; and

– Fiddle Championship, Aug. 11, $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under.

For tickets visit Holmes Appliances and Music Shop, 135 Main St. West, Shelburne, or call 519-925-8620.

For more information visit shelburnefiddlecontest.on.ca.

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