The Grand North American Fiddle Championship will be held in Fort Saskatchewan this summer.
The 38th annual championship will run from July 14 - 17 at the Dow Centennial Centre.
The event is open to fiddlers of all levels and ages. In the past, competitors have ranged in age from 6 years to 101 years old.
Many musicians from this event have gone on to become finalists or winners at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Contest.
Thursday evening:
A free jam session for all players and attendees at the Comfort Inn. This goes on from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday:
A free jam session for all players and attendees in the afternoon at the Comfort Inn. This goes on from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The junior showcase begins at 6 p.m.
“This is young kids that are just kind of starting out with the fiddle. They kind of put on a bit of a showcase for us and show us what they can do,” said Frank Grell the director of the Grand North American Fiddle Championship for 2022
This will be followed by an open mic and dance session.
Saturday:
Starting at 10 a.m. contests will be held in the novice, junior junior, junior youth, senior, golden, and novelty categories. Followed by a grand finale and award ceremony.
A special guest performance from the Hillbilly Quartet will take place.
At 6 p.m. a buffet style dinner will be offered for participants and visitors for $25
Shortly after the dinner the Judges’ Showcase will begin at 7 p.m. followed by a family dance led by various instructors.
Sunday:
Starting at 10 a.m. contests will be held in the intermediate, advanced traditional, twin, novelty and championship categories. These divisions will be followed by a grand finale and award ceremony.
A special guest performance from a group called Marango Pie will take place.
The event after party will then be held at the Montana's restaurant near the competition site.
Different amounts of prize money will be awarded to the finalists in each competitive category for a total of $16,410 to be given away over the course of the championship.
Details on what age each category represents and exact times of performances can be found here.
Dry camping will be allowed on-site although the Comfort Inn has been named the host hotel of the championship.
Ticket prices vary depending on age and the day you wish to attend. Information on how to purchase tickets and to perform can be found on the Wildrose Fiddlers website.