The 32nd South Alabama Annual Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention is set to kick off a fiddling good time on Saturday, July 19, 2011, with registration taking place from 10 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. The contest begins at 2 p.m. Those who play the fiddle, play another instrument, or are a part of a band, will gather at Escambia County High School to compete for prizes and the bragging rights for the next year.

The Atmore Rotary Club members started this event 31 years ago as a fund raiser for their service projects. All funds received are applied to the Academic All-Star Scholarship program for students who maintain As and Bs for four school reporting periods. The winners are honored with a reception and an awards ceremony. College bound seniors are eligible to receive up to a $400 scholarship, if they can show proof of college enrollment.

Not only will fiddlers compete, but there will be other categories such as, vocal groups, bands, dobro, banjo, guitar and mandolin. Fiddlers compete for a first prize of $1,000; second prize of $200; and a third place of $100. All other categories of instruments will compete for a first prize of $100; a second prize of $75 and a third prize of $50. Bands will also be competing for prizes of $200 for first place; $100 for second place and $50 for third place.

Applications are still being taken and will be accepted until the registration begins on that Saturday and no late entries will be taken.

Tickets for the event will be $9 each with children under 12 getting in for free.

Not only will there be lots of fiddling and singing going on, but there will also be some good food on hand for those who get hungry. Barbecue, hot dogs and other snacks and treats will be available.

For more information, contact Keith Castleberry at 368-2106, or send email to kcastleberry@securancegroup.com