The 61st Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship takes place Aug. 3 to 7 in Shelburne.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Shelburne, the event features Canada’s top fiddlers in competition for more than $17,000 in prizes.
Stuck for last-minute holiday or hostess gifts? Tickets to the Fiddle Championship are appreciated by fiddle fans everywhere.
Officials are looking forward with great anticipation to the newly-renovated facilities at the Shelburne Arena – especially the improved washrooms and access for the physically disabled.
Community events in conjunction with the Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship include camping, a giant Fiddle Parade featuring the Metropolitan Toronto Police Winged Wheels, an open air market, non-denominational church service and 24 hour meals.
Organizers will be continuing with two popular events introduced last year: a Saturday morning fiddle jam (in addition to the very popular Friday morning fiddle jam) and a fiddle and step-dancing show following the parade on Saturday afternoon.
The Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship starts with the playdowns on Aug. 5 at 1 and 7pm at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex (Shelburne Arena). Classes that will compete in the afternoon include the young (9 and under, 12 and under) and the young at heart (56 and over). The evening features the remaining classes. The contest finals happen on Aug. 6 at 6:30pm and will feature entertainment by several fiddle and stepdancing groups, as well as the judges’ showcase.
Event packages (Thursday evening, Friday all day and Saturday evening) cost $40 for adults and $20 for children 12 years and under.
Tickets for the Thursday night show are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Competition playdowns on the Friday cost $10 for adults and $3 for children, while the Fiddle Championship on Saturday costs $20 for adults and $10 for children.
To order tickets call 519-925-8620. For information visit shelburnefiddlecontest.on.ca.
