Old Time Fiddlers Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Old Time Fiddlers Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Old Time Fiddlers Week is observed on June 18th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Old Time Fiddlers Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you ought to know about Old Time Fiddlers Week.

📅 What day is Old Time Fiddlers Week 2024?

In 2024, Old Time Fiddlers Week is on Sunday, June 18th. It is the 3rd Sunday in June; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the fun details and facts about June 18, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Week is a popular annual event that takes place in Weiser, Idaho, during the third full week of June. It is a celebration of old-time music and brings together musicians from all over the United States. The event includes a music contest, festival, and gathering, with the competition taking place at Weiser High School. Many participants camp on the school’s athletic grounds. This week-long event is highly regarded in the fiddling community and attracts over 10,000 attendees. With around 350 fiddlers competing in eight divisions, there is plenty of talent on display. In addition to the contest, there are performances, workshops, band battles, a parade, and even a carnival.

📜 Old Time Fiddlers Week History

While Texas Contest Style is the most well-known type of performance in fiddling competitions, there are also various other fiddling styles played during late-night jam sessions. The competition is divided into seven divisions based on age, ranging from Small Fry for contestants eight years and younger, to Junior-Junior for contestants 12 years and younger, to Junior for contestants under 18 years, and Young Adult for contestants 18 to 36 years old. Additionally, there are divisions for Adult (37 to 59 years), Senior (60 years and older), and a Grand Champion category open to contestants of any age. Inter-division competitions are not allowed, and each contestant can only compete in one category. The Small Fry and Junior-Junior divisions have three rounds, while the Junior, Young Adult, Adult, and Senior divisions have four rounds. The Grand Championship competition lasts six rounds.

✅ Old Time Fiddlers Week Facts

🔖 There’s a name for violin artisans
A luthier is the term used for someone who specializes in creating or repairing violins, while an archetier is the term used for someone who crafts bows used for playing violins.

🔖 It’s not an easy job
It can take around 200 hours to construct a violin of high caliber.

🔖 What’s in the name?
The word ‘violin’ comes from the Middle Latin word ‘vitula,’ which means ‘stringed instrument,’ whereas the term ‘fiddle’ comes from the Old English word ‘fithele.’

👍 Why Is Old Time Fiddlers Week Important

This fiddling festival and competition is well-known for supporting traditional fiddling and associated arts. It is still the norm for all fiddling contests and festivals in the United States.

Aside from contests and festivals, the sponsoring organization, National Oldtime Fiddlers, Inc., also uses the event for charity and educational reasons. In addition, the business conducts research, offers teaching, and preserves archives and collections on old-time fiddling and associated traditional arts.

For almost 60 years, the event has attracted both amateur and professional fiddlers from all over the world. It also acts as a gathering place for violin aficionados, supporters, and friends.

🙂 How To Observe Old Time Fiddlers Week

⚡ Volunteer
The fiddling festival welcomes volunteers to contribute to the excitement and splendor of the event. If you’re interested in getting involved, check out the official website for details on how you can join the volunteer team.

⚡ Compete
Individuals who possess the necessary skills and abilities to participate in any of the categories are welcome to take part in the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest and Festival. To join, simply visit the official website of the contest and complete the registration process.

⚡ Grace the festival
If you have a liking for fiddle music or are curious about what happens at the festival, a visit to Weiser during the event would be worthwhile. Not only will you be amazed by the contests, but the festival’s other attractions will also leave you speechless.

📅 When is Old Time Fiddlers Week?

See all 🔗 June holidays, including 🔗 Fun and other 🔗 Cultural holidays.

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