The 60th Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship takes place here Aug. 4 to 8.
Sponsored by the Shelburne Rotary Club, the event features Canada’s top fiddlers in competition for more than $17,000 in prizes.
Community events in conjunction with the championship include camping, a giant fiddle parade featuring the Metropolitan Toronto Police Winged Wheels, an open air market, non-denominational church service, meals served 24 hour a day, and a community barbecue.
New this year will be a Saturday morning fiddle jam (in addition to the Friday morning one) and a fiddle and step-dancing show following the parade on Saturday afternoon.
Scott Woods returns
On Aug. 5 at 7:30pm, Shelburne welcomes back Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Champion and Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion Scott Woods, of Fergus.
Two-time winner of the Canadian Open contest, two-time winner of the Canadian Grand Masters championships, and Canadian Fiddle Entertainer of the Year are perhaps Woods’ most-prized titles, but he has won competitions and performed throughout Canada, the United States and Europe.
Woods can turn somersaults and step dance while playing the fiddle. For seven years he was the musical director and played the part of Don Messer in Memories of Don Messer’s Jubilee which toured extensively in Canada. For more information about Woods, visit www.scottwoods.ca.
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The championship starts with playdowns on Aug. 6 at 1pm and 7pm at the Shelburne arena. Classes that will compete in the afternoon include the young (9 and under, 12 and under) and (56 and over). The evening features the remaining classes.
The contest finals are on Aug. 7 at 6:30pm, and will feature entertainment by several young fiddle and stepdancing groups, as well as the recently revived judges’ showcase. In recognition of the 60th anniversary of the championship, past champions will also perform as part of the Saturday evening entertainment.
Tickets include:
– an event package at $40 for adults: $40 and $20 for children12 and under);
– Scott Woods Show, Aug. 6, 7:30pm, adults: $20 and children: $10 (12 and under);
– Competition playdowns, adults $10 and children: $3;
– fiddle championship, adults: $20 and children,$10.
Tickets are available by phone at 519-925-8620.
For more information visit www.shelburnefiddlecontest.on.ca.
