Since its inception nearly a century ago, this fiddling event has focused on traditional American music. This dedication has earned the event a reputation as one of the most prestigious and authentic fiddling competitions in the United States. In May 2000, Fiddler’s Grove received the Local Legacy award from the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

More than 50 traditional bands in old time and bluegrass divisions (Junior and Senior categories) vie for the coveted Fiddler’s Grove band championships. Winners in each of the fiddle categories play off for the Fiddler of the Festival award – the highlight of the festival.

The Fiddler’s Grove Ole Time Fiddler’s & Bluegrass Festival&reg is held over Memorial Day weekend every year. The festival strives to maintain a low-key, family feel by limiting ticket sales to the first 5,000 takers. Tickets for the 2009 event will go on sale early in 2009, and advanced ticket sales offer a significant discount for the entire festival weekend, and entry for children under 10 is free. Camping is available on site in this beautiful wooded area of the Brushy Mountain foothills. Motel accommodations are also available nearby.

On stage competition and workshops in all instrumental categories, as well as the informal “jam sessions” that spring up any time of the day or night throughout the festival grounds, provide an ongoing learning experience in traditional music. There are individual Junior and Senior competitions in fiddle, banjo, autoharp, mandolin, harmonica, guitar, dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, dobro, and bass fiddle.

Fiddler’s Grove’s instrumental focus is the fiddle, and the grand finale of the competition is the play-off for the title of “Fiddler of the Festival”. The champion 1st place winners from each of the five fiddle competition categories compete for this honor. Please take a look at photos of the contestants in the 2003 Fiddler of the Festival playoffs. Every one is a Champion!

Each year Master Fiddler Robin Warren returns to Fiddler’s Grove with Guitarist Brian Clancey as Spirit Fiddle. Robin won the “Fiddler of the Festival” award in 1977, 1980, 1982 qualifying her to be our first “Master Fiddler”.

In addition, there are three other unique features of the Fiddler’s Grove Festival designed to keep traditional old time fiddle music alive:

• Certified Old Time Fiddle Category – open only to fiddlers 55 years or older who play strictly by ear and who have had no formal violin training.
• Twin Fiddle Category – 2 fiddlers playing in harmony with one another.
• Heritage Tune Exhibition – a competition designed to preserve older traditional tunes. The fiddler is required to give the origin and story of the tune before performing it.

Pictured to the right are Josh Goforth, our newest (and youngest ever) Master Fiddler, and Laura Boosinger. Josh and Laura provide Special Entertainment during the festival, and Laura leads a Shape Note Singing Workshop on Sunday mornings.

One of the unique aspects of Fiddler’s Grove is its appeal to all ages. In a family friendly environment, very young children are introduced to the musical traditions and heritage of their elders. For more pictures taken at our festival, please visit our Photo Album.

Festival founder Harper Van Hoy is flanked on stage by “Doc” Watson and his grandson Richard Watson.

Harper’s granddaughters Sarah and Rebecca Barker are playing on very small fiddles to accommodate their very young arms.

Although the Official Program does not begin until Friday evening, musicians and campers begin arriving early in the week, and jam sessions begin on Thursday or earlier.

We invite you to view a complete list of the prize winners at the 2009 Fiddler’s Grove&reg Ole Time Fiddler’s & Bluegrass Festival held May 22 – 24, 2009.