The 32nd annual South Alabama Old Time Fiddler’s Convention will be held on Saturday, July 21, at Escambia County High School in Atmore.

Following registration, the convention will begin at 2 p.m.

The competition categories will be vocal band, string band, guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro and fiddle. Prize money will be awarded in each category. First place winners in the vocal and string band categories will receive $200 while second will get $100 and third $50.

In the guitar, mandolin, banjo and dobro competitions, first place winners will get $100 while second place will get $75 and third place will get $50.

In the fiddle category, first place will get $1,000 followed by second place winners getting $200 and third place getting $100.
All proceeds from the convention are used to support the Rotary Academic All-Star Program.

“We originally began the Old Time Fiddler’s Convention 33 years ago to raise funds for the Atmore Rotary Village, which is an apartment complex for the elderly in Atmore,” organizer Keith Castleberry said. “But, after a few years, Rotary Village became self-supporting. Then we took on another project – Academic All-Stars, which is a program to honor good students and provide scholarships in area high schools. We will also be selling barbeque at the event.”

Castleberry said for those wishing to participate, they need to register before the event. “Registration goes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (the day of the event),” Castleberry said. “The house band will be ‘Down Home.’  We are expecting a large crowd, so be there early to get your favorite seat.”

Music will be judged on rhythm and timing, creativity, expression and execution. There is no registration fee and contestants must draw for position in the lineup. Registration will be closed once competition begins.

In the fiddle competition, contestants will play two songs—a waltz and a breakdown. Fiddlers are limited to two accompanists and will have five minutes to play.

The competition will be held inside the auditorium of Escambia County High School. The school is located at 1215 South Presley Street in Atmore.

Tickets are $9 per adult and children under 12 will be admitted free.

For more information about the competition, contact Castleberry at 251-368-2106.