Tim White serves as the emcee for the convention.
The Washington County Fairground’s Board of Directors announces the second annual Abingdon Old-Time and Bluegrass Fiddlers’ Convention, Fiddlin’ At The Fairgrounds. The event is held Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10, at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Abingdon, Virginia, with Tim White as the event’s emcee.
With support from the local government, multiple local businesses and numerous music enthusiasts, this event has been created to bring people from across the region to Washington County, Virginia, Fairgrounds for one weekend to compete with other old-time and bluegrass musicians for $7,500 in prize money and prizes.
There is also an added incentive for competitors; their numbers will be 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, visitors can walk through the campground to find heritage music being played informally amongst contestants’ and spectators’ 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. There will be numerous vendors set up selling local goods, promoting their businesses and organizations. Local food trucks will set up.
The first year brought more than 2,700 old-time and bluegrass fans from 11 different states to Abingdon and more than 120 competitors. The Board of Directors is looking forward to this second event and its continued future and success. 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.
Friday ticket prices are $10 for adults and $3 for youth. Saturday tickets are $15 for adults and $3 for youth. Weekend bands are $20 for adults and $5 for youth. Competition is free. Dry RV Camping $35. Tent camping is $10 per tent. For more information on the weekend, to RSVP, or to be a vendor or a sponsor, visit www.abingdonfiddlers.com.
