Old Time Fiddlers Week

Old Time Fiddlers Week: A Celebration of Traditional Music

Old Time Fiddlers Week is an annual event that celebrates the rich tradition of old-time fiddling. It’s a week-long festival featuring competitions, performances, workshops, and other activities centered around this beloved musical style. Held in Weiser, Idaho, the event has become a cornerstone of the fiddling community, drawing musicians and enthusiasts from across the country.

Quick Facts

When is it?: Third full week of June annually
Tagged as: Music festival, Competition, Cultural event
What’s the hashtag?: #OldTimeFiddlersWeek
When was it founded?: 1953
Who founded it?: Blaine Stubblefield

History of Old Time Fiddlers Week

The event began in 1953 as the Northwest Mountain Fiddlers’ Contest, organized by Blaine Stubblefield, who was then the secretary of the Weiser Chamber of Commerce. As its popularity grew, the contest expanded and evolved. In 1956, it was renamed the Northwest Oldtime Fiddling Championships, and in 1963, it became the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest as we know it today. Over the years, it has become the standard-setter for fiddling competitions nationwide, earning Weiser the title of “The Fiddling Capital of The World.”

Timeline

1953: First Northwest Mountain Fiddlers’ Contest held in Weiser, Idaho
1956: Event renamed to Northwest Oldtime Fiddling Championships
1963: Contest becomes the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest
Present day: Continues to be a major event in the fiddling community

Old Time Fiddlers Week Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	June 15-21	Sunday-Saturday
2026	June 21-27	Sunday-Saturday
2027	June 20-26	Sunday-Saturday
2028	June 18-24	Sunday-Saturday
2029	June 17-23	Sunday-Saturday
2030	June 16-22	Sunday-Saturday

Observed Old Time Fiddlers Week

The event is primarily observed in Weiser, Idaho, but its influence extends far beyond the town’s borders. During the week, Weiser transforms into a hub of musical activity, with the high school serving as the epicenter. The gymnasium hosts the main competition, while the sports fields become a temporary campground for participants.

Attendees can enjoy not only the competition but also a variety of other activities. These include workshops where both novice and experienced fiddlers can hone their skills, performances showcasing different fiddling styles, and a lively battle of the bands. The festival atmosphere is further enhanced by a parade and carnival, making it a true community celebration.

The competition itself is divided into several age categories, ensuring that fiddlers of all generations can participate. From the “Small Fry” division for those eight and under to the Senior division for those 60 and above, the contest celebrates the multigenerational appeal of old-time fiddling.

Fun Facts About Old Time Fiddlers Week

The event draws nearly 7,000 attendees and 350 competing fiddlers each year.
Weiser is known as “The Fiddling Capital of The World” due to this event.
The competition has strict rules, including playing a hoedown, a waltz, and a “tune of choice.”
Judges for the competition must have previously won the National Grand Champion title.
The event has inspired similar competitions across the country.

Quiz

In which state is Old Time Fiddlers Week held?
What was the original name of the event in 1953?
How many divisions are there in the competition?
What is the nickname given to Weiser due to this event?
What instrument is at the center of this festival?

(Answers: 1. Idaho, 2. Northwest Mountain Fiddlers’ Contest, 3. Eight, 4. The Fiddling Capital of The World, 5. Fiddle)

FAQs

Q: Who can participate in the Old Time Fiddlers Week competition?
A: Anyone qualified to compete in any of the age divisions can participate.

Q: What styles of fiddling are played during the event?
A: While Texas Contest Style is prominent, many other fiddling styles are showcased, especially during late-night jam sessions.

Q: How long has the event been held at Weiser High School?
A: The contest has been held at Weiser High School for many years, though the exact start date is not specified.

Q: Can spectators attend the event?
A: Yes, the event is open to the public and attracts thousands of spectators each year.

Q: Are there opportunities for non-competitors to participate?
A: Yes, there are workshops, performances, and volunteer opportunities for non-competitors.

Importance of Old Time Fiddlers Week

Old Time Fiddlers Week plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the art of traditional fiddling. By bringing together musicians from across the country, it fosters a sense of community and helps pass down this musical tradition to younger generations. The competition aspect encourages skill development and excellence in the craft, while the festival atmosphere makes the art form accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.

The event also has significant cultural importance. It celebrates a uniquely American musical tradition, helping to keep this aspect of cultural heritage alive and vibrant. For many participants and attendees, Old Time Fiddlers Week is more than just a competition or festival – it’s a annual pilgrimage that connects them to their roots and to a broader community of music lovers.

Moreover, the event has a positive economic impact on the town of Weiser and the surrounding area. The influx of visitors during the week boosts local businesses and puts this small Idaho town on the map, demonstrating how cultural events can contribute to local economies and community pride.