Band contest underway at the Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention – photo © G. Nicholas Hancock
Rosin up your fiddle bow and tune up your five-string banjo. It’s the time of year when the fiddlers’ conventions return to central North Carolina: Highfalls, Star, and Seagrove. All of these are acoustic talent contests that offer cash prizes, ribbons, and recognition. This year marks significant revisions for each event.
Highfalls Fiddlers’ Convention, held at North Moore High School (1504 N Moore Rd, Robbins, NC), is changing dates. The competition will be held on Saturday, February 28.
Star Fiddlers’ Convention, held at Star Elementary School (302 S Main St, Star, NC), will be celebrating its 100th anniversary on Saturday, March 7. Special guest will be Star native Gena Britt who is now a professional Nashville musician. She picks banjo with the all-female, award-winning group, Sister Sadie.
Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention is relocating to Southwestern Randolph High (1641 Hopewell Friends Road, Asheboro, NC) due to its growth in participants and attendees. The contest will be held on Saturday, March 21. The new venue offers more seating, more practice area for contestants, more restrooms, more parking, and is more handicap accessible.
All three fiddlers’ conventions begin at 5:30 with youth competition, followed by adult competition. Admission is $12 for adults with varying prices for youth admission. Registration for contestants begins at 4:30 and ends at 6:45, except Highfalls, where registration ends at 6:00 p.m. All events are totally non-profit with proceeds benefiting local schools and community. Concessions will be available at each venue.
Prizes will be awarded in band and individual instrument/vocal categories. Please come out and support all three events. They offer a great evening of local entertainment that is fun for the whole family.
