White Hill Blueberries at the 2026 Highfalls Fiddlers’ Convention – photo © G. Nicholas Hancock
Since 1921, the Highfalls Fiddlers’ Convention has been part of the central North Carolina community, with people gathering for good food, fellowship, and most importantly, music. When COVID shut the event down, it looked like it might not return, but a rising NC State student and community member, Miranda Smith, picked up the baton to make sure the annual acoustic talent show survived. Saturday brought bluegrass musicians from across the state, and at least two neighboring states, to compete for the top prizes at North Moore High School in Robbins, NC.
Smith, who fell during the January snowfall in North Carolina and broke her leg, was rolling around on a scooter, still attending to business. She even joined her fellow NCSU alumni bandmates to play polka style music and entertain during intermission. She was quite pleased at the close of the evening.
The young promoter stated…
“This year’s event was one of the best yet, and it was great to see new musicians coming to Highfalls for the first time, as well as some who have been coming for decades. We had a very solid turnout, and will be able to give some money to the schools again.
My favorite part of the night was giving the Most Outstanding Adult award in Pammy Lassiter’s memory to John Fogleman who said he had been encouraged by Pammy for many years. It was another special moment in a special year for lots of people at Highfalls.”
Lassiter, a dobro player and huge supporter of North Carolina bluegrass, passed away in January following a period of declining health. Her husband, Big T Lassiter, served as MC for the event.
Fogleman, normally a bassist and son of the late resphonic player, Wade Fogleman, was surprised and emotional as he was presented the award in her memory.
“Last year, I entered dobro. Pammy was on the side stage videoing me and cheering me on. She called me the next day to say how proud she was of me.”
Other awards given were:
Youth
Band
- Five Sevenths
- 4 Walls
Fiddle
- Lydia Walls
- Macy Wyand
- Hope Terry
Banjo
- Ford Terry
- Cameron Edenfield
- Silas Walls
Mandolin
- Arthur Hayes
- Sarah Walls
Guitar
- Elliot King
- Parker Terry
- Corban Walls
Bass
- Ford Terry
Miscellaneous – Corban Walls (harmonica)
Vocal
- Chelsea Edenfield
- Elliot King
- Miles Welch
Adult
Band
- White Hill Blueberries
- Sumthin Stoopid
- Hazy Ridge
Fiddle
- Katie Koerner
- Tabitha Tatham
- Gabe Wisner Carlson
Banjo
- Andy Hunt
- Dale Mills
- Carson Beckham
Mandolin
- Tim Perry
- Alex Meredith
- Caroline Terry
Guitar
- Tommy Chandler
- John Marler
- Cooper Marona
Bass
- John Fogleman
- Daniel Perry
- Daniel Schronce
Dobro
- James Murdock
- Daniel Smith
- Sandy Hatley
Miscellaneous
- Kenny Welch (harmonica)
Vocal
- Kyna Gunter
- Tommy Chandler
- Daniel Perry
Dance
- Cheryl Skeen
- Joey Trogdon
- Taylor Lingren
Pammy Lassiter Memorial Most Outstanding Adult – John Fogleman
Central North Carolina fiddlers conventions continue with the 100th annual Star Fiddlers’ Convention this Saturday, March 7, at the Star Elementary School in Star, NC. Special guest will be hometown hero, Gena Britt, banjoist with Sister Sadie.
Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention will follow on Saturday, March 21, at its new location: Southwestern Randolph High School, 1641 Hopewell Friends Road, Asheboro, NC.
Registration for both events will be held from 4:30-6:45 p.m. with competition beginning at 5:30.
Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, free for children under 6. Cash only.
