The 61st Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship takes place here from Aug. 3 to 7.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Shelburne, the event features Canada’s top fiddlers in competition for more than $17,000 in prizes.
Besides championship fiddlers, this year’s event will include a concert by Louis Schryer, stepdancing, jam sessions, parade, beer garden, Battle of the Bands, pork barbecue, non-denominational church service, Bon Jovi tribute band, Trooper with The Eagles tribute band, open air market, lots of entertainment and food at the Legion, camping and more.
Expanding on last year’s success, this year there will be a Saturday morning fiddle jam (in addition to the popular Friday morning fiddle jam) and two fiddle and step-dancing shows at Grace Tipling Hall following the parade on Saturday afternoon.
On Aug. 4 at 7:30pm, the Rotary Club of Shelburne welcomes back eight time Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Champion and four time Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion Louis Schryer.
Schryer has been a judge in Shelburne several times, and will be again in 2011. He last performed in Shelburne, with his siblings, in 2007.
The Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship starts with the playdowns on Aug. 5 at 1pm and 7pm at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex (Shelburne arena). Classes that will compete in the afternoon include the young (9 and under, 10 to 12) and the young at heart (56 and over). The evening features the remaining classes.
The contest finals happen on Aug. 6 at 6:30pm and will feature entertainment by fiddling and step dancing groups Ballagh Bunch, Everything Fitz, Jenish Sisters, Rittmai, and Third Degree. A judges’ showcase will also be part of the Saturday night entertainment, featuring Doug McNaughton, Karen Reed and Louis Schryer.
Come and enjoy Canada’s top fiddlers waltz, jig and reel their way to over $17,000 in prizes.
For more information and ticket prices visit www.shelburnefiddlecontest.on.ca.
