Tim White
The Washington County Fairground’s Board of Directors announce the fourth annual Abingdon Old-Time, Bluegrass and Gospel Fiddlers’ Convention is held June 20 and 21 at the Washington County Fairgrounds, Abingdon, Virginia. Tim White serves as the event’s emcee.
With support from local government, local businesses and numerous music enthusiasts, this event was created to bring people from across the country to Washington County, Virginia, Fairgrounds for one weekend to compete with other old-time, bluegrass and gospel musicians for $7,000 in prize money and prizes.
A kick-off event is held Thursday, June 19 at 5 p.m., on the lawn of the Mar-tha Washington Inn, Abingdon, Virgina. The events includes an open jam and BBQ.
Friday night is geared towards the gospel band competition. Registration be-gins at 5 p.m., followed by an opening ceremony and gospel band competition and concert.
Saturday registration begins at 10 a.m., with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. The Old-Time and Bluegrass Youth Competition begins at 11:15 a.m. After lunch, individual competitions begin with different categories ranging from guitar, bass, banjo, fiddle, dobro, harmonica, flat foot and more. The evening ends with the old-time and bluegrass band competition.
There are added incentives for competitors, their entry number is entered to win prizes that have been donated from businesses in the area. This gives everyone a chance of winning, regardless of skill level.
More than a competition, there is fun for the whole family as visitors can walk through the campground to find heritage music being played amongst contestant’s and spectator’s campsites. Within the campsite jams you may come across flat foot competitions or find a professional musician taking the time to play music with a young child who is just starting out.
Throughout the day on Saturday, there are several workshops available for those attending the event. There are vendors set up selling local goods, promoting their businesses and organizations. Local food vendors will be set up selling tasty treats.
New this year, a portion of the merchandise proceeds is donated to help flood victims in the region as the theme for 2025 is Old-Time, Bluegrass and Gospel Music Bind Us Together ... Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
The first few years have brought over 2,700 old-time and bluegrass fans from 11 different states to Abingdon and over 120 competitors. The convention is a fundraiser for the Fairgrounds to raise money for capital improvement projects of the property and create opportunities to host more community events throughout the year at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
The event is held outside with an inside option for inclement weather. Dry camping is allowed for an additional fee.
Ticket prices are Friday-adult $10, youth $3; Saturday-adult $15, youth $3. Weekend bands are $20 for adults and $5 for youth. Competition is free. Dry RV Camping is $35, and Tent Camping is $10 per tent. Registration is only in person. There is no online option. For more information on the weekend, to RSVP, or to be a vendor or a sponsor, visit www.abingdonfiddlers.com or follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.
