Athens, Ala. – Music lovers can enjoy some good old fiddling music next weekend when Athens State University hosts the 41st annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention on Oct. 5-6 at the school's campus in Athens, Alabama. The musical competitions will be on the steps of historic Founders Hall. Musicians will compete in 17 categories. A total of $11,870 in prize money will be awarded.
The convention is sponsored annually by the Athens State University Foundation and the Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds from the convention have funded over $500,000 toward student scholarships and other university projects.
The convention has historically attracted more than 15,000 people for the two-day event, with more than 200 musicians participating in the musical competition. The coup de gras for the convention is the naming of the “Fiddle Champion.” Competition for the crown is always fierce and this year will be no different.
Alex DePue was named “Fiddle Champion” at last year’s convention. He won the “fiddle off” which traditionally pits the top fiddlers from the junior and senior divisions. This year’s fiddle champ will earn a total of $1,000 in cash and a trophy.
This year's special guest will be musical comedian Mike Snider performing Friday, October 5th at 4:00pm and 7:00pm. Snider, a native of Gleason, Tennessee, made his way on the country music scene in the 1980's with his incomparable wit and stellar banjo playing. Mike first worked his way into people's hearts through his hundreds of spots on TNN's Nashville Now, and his seven-year stay in the cornfield on "Hee Haw".. In addition to his television work, Mike and his band entertained crowds for seven years at Nashville's Opryland USA.
Approximately 150 booths featuring old-fashioned arts and crafts are part of the convention. Convention goers will see everything from traditional artwork to coal-fired metal works. Food vendors will also be on hand to provide anything from a quick snack to a full meal.
Contests begin on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m., and will resume on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $7 for Friday, $10 for Saturday and $15 for both days. Children ages 12 and under are free with a parent. For more information visit http://www.athens.edu/fiddlers/
More Huntsville Articles l Huntsville Newsletter l Huntsville Events
Comments