Florida State Fiddle Contest

Fiddlers of all ages are invited to enter the official Florida State Fiddle Contest. The contest will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Heritage and Dance Stage near the Foster Carillon Tower on Saturday, May 25, 2002. The awards ceremony will take place 6:00 - 6:30 Saturday night on the Amphitheater Stage. Contest winners will be recognized by American Folklife Center Director Dr. Peggy Bulger and Florida State Fiddlers Association President Chuck Levy. The contest is sponsored by the Florida State Fiddlers Association (FSFA) in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks. The contest has four categories (in the order that they will appear): Junior, Contemporary, Twin, and Rustic. Contestants may enter one individual category and the twin fiddle competition. Contestants may have no more than two back-up musicians. Fiddles, drums, and electric instruments may not be used as back-up instruments.

To enter the contest, fiddlers who have not pre-registered must sign up at the Heritage and Dance Stage beginning at 10:00 a.m on Saturday, May 25. Entry fees are $5.00 per division for FSFA members and non-members. The Florida State Fiddlers Association is a group of musicians and enthusiasts dedicated to perpetuating the art of fiddling by demonstrating fiddling styles and documenting fiddling traditions of the state. Their intention is to entertain and educate with traditional fiddling. The organization has hosted an annual convention since 1981. In 1990, the Florida Legislature designated this annual competition the official state fiddle contest. Everyone who enjoys good fiddling is invited to attend the contest and experience Florida's varied fiddle music tradition!