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Home > South Florida Fair > Get involved > Competitions > 2025 Fiddle Contest

2025 Fiddle Contest

Deadline to sign up is January 10th, 2025

SUNDAY, January 26


Are you a fiddle enthusiast? If so, this contest is for you! We're looking for fiddlers of all ages to compete in the Fiddle Contest in Yesteryear Village Storm Tight Windows Pavillion during the 2024 South Florida Fair.

Schedule of Events:

  • 11-1p.m.: Contestant Check-In
  • 1-2 p.m.: Judges Showcase
  • 2-4 p.m.: Fiddle Contest
    • Junior Division: up to 10 years old
    • Youth Division: 11-17 years old
    • Adult Division: 18 years old and over

Contest Prizes/Cash Awards:

  • Junior/Youth/Adult
    • Payouts for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place for each division
    • Special large rosette for each division winner
    • Special 2nd, 3rd place ribbons for each division
    • Participation ribbons
Judging will be public for our visitors to enjoy!

General Contest Guidelines

1.- The judges’ decisions will be final.

2.- The judges will not be permitted to enter or play in any category.

3.- Entry position at registration will be assigned on a first come first served basis.

4.- Participants SHOULD BE PRESENT and in PROPER DRAWN POSITION for entry on the stage when names are called from the staging area. Allowances will be made for broken strings and other happenings assessed to be beyond the control of registered participants.

5.- Participants should have two tunes prepared to perform. Time restraints may require fiddlers to perform one tune. In the interest of fairness to each contestant, each fiddler’s presentation is limited to four minutes TOTAL performance time.

6.- This is an OLD TIME FIDDLE CONTEST, as such, the judges will be strongly considering tune choice as part of the scoring process. Old time fiddle tunes are traditional, Appalachian mountain or any older fiddle styles from various regions of the country, including Irish and other culturally authentic type fiddling. CLASSICALLY TRAINED students are encouraged to enter and enjoy the camaraderie of the contest. There is music notated examples of Traditional Old Time tunes located elsewhere on the registration website, although most tunes will be acceptable as long as the time limit is observed. “the Devil went down to Georgia” is not a traditional fiddle tune, “Soldiers Joy” and “Cumberland Gap” are traditional fiddle tunes.

7.- There are three categories in the fiddle contest, as follows: Junior (through age 10), Youth (age 11 through 17), Adult (18 and up). Judging will be based on the following criteria: Rhythm and Timing, Intonation, Expression and execution, and lastly, Tune choice and creativity.

8.- Fiddlers should have an extra tune prepared in case of a category tie score judgement.

9.- Participants may select to perform solo, or to have a maximum of two accompanists. Only string instruments are allowed. No electric instruments will be permitted.

10.- Contestants should introduce the tunes for judges and audience prior to the performance.

11.- The contest guidelines, rules and activities may be modified or amended depending on events and situations during the competition. Changes and decisions will be made by the contest committee.

12.- Participants should make a point to enjoy the fiddling comradery and have fun! There will be jam sessions at various times during the afternoon, please feel free to join in!

2025 Fiddle Contest

Please pre-register below.

Fiddle Contest registration is FREE, but does not include paid Fair Gate Admission or Parking fees.

To purchase Fair Advance discount admission tickets when they become available, click HERE.

For more information, contact Connie Christman at 561-795-3110

Registration deadline: January 10, 2025

Good luck!

DIVISION

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Your personal information and entry description is confidential. We will not share this information with anyone.

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