The 58th Canadian open Old Time Fiddle Championship takes over this community from Aug. 6 to 10.
Sponsored by the Shelburne Rotary Club, the event features Canada’s top fiddlers in competition for more than $20,000 in prizes.
Community events in conjunction with the championship include fiddle workshops, camping, a giant fiddle parade featuring the Toronto Police Winged Wheels, an open air market, non-denominational church service, and pork barbecue.
Mark Sullivan returns
On Aug. 7 at 7:30pm, three- time Canadian open champion Mark Sullivan returns to Shelburne for an evening of old time fiddle music. The show will feature Canadian old time fiddling, western swing, and other traditional forms performed by Sullivan with Kelli Trottier, Geoff Horrocks, and championship stepdancing.
At 25, Sullivan is not only a three-time champion, but also a three-time Canadian grand masters fiddle champion. He has toured extensively throughout Canada and the United States as a solo artist, session musician, and backup musician for many prominent groups. He has appeared on theatre and festival stages, and has collaborated with the finest names in his field. For more details, visit www.marksullivan.ca.
The championship starts with the playdowns on Aug. 8 at 1 and 7pm at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex (Shelburne Arena).
The finals happen on Aug. 9 at 7pm and will feature entertainment by several young fiddle and stepdancing groups; the Ballagh Bunch, Triple Explosion, and Step’n Time with The Ziebarth Family. For the first time in many years, a judges’ showcase will also be part of the Saturday night entertainment.
Tickets are available at Holmes Appliances and Music Shop, Shelburne, or by phone from the Town of Shelburne at 519-925-2600 extension 230. There are numerous packages available. For more information visit www.shelburnefiddlecontest.on.ca.
