Changes ahead for fiddlers conventions

ASHEBORO — Rosin up your fiddle bow and tune up your five-string banjo.  

It’s the time of year when the local fiddlers’ conventions return to the tri-county area: Highfalls in Moore County, Star in Montgomery County, and Seagrove in Randolph County. 

All of these are acoustic talent contests that offer cash prizes, ribbons and recognition. This year marks significant revisions for each event.

Highfalls, held at North Moore High School (1504 N. Moore Rd., Robbins), is changing dates. The competition will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28.

Star, held at Star Elementary School (302 S Main St., Star), will be celebrating its 100th anniversary on Saturday, March 7. To mark the occasion, special guest will be Star native Gena Britt who is now a professional Nashville musician. She picks banjo with the all-female, award-winning group, Sister Sadie.

Seagrove Fiddlers’ Convention is relocating to Southwestern Randolph High (1641 Hopewell Friends Road, Asheboro) due to its growth in participants and attendees. The contest will be held on Saturday, March 21. The new venue offers more seating, more practice area for contestants, more restrooms, more parking and is more handicap accessible.

All three fiddlers’ conventions begin at 5:30 p.m. with youth competition, followed by adult competition. Admission is $12 for adults with varying prices for youth admission. 

Registration for contestants begins at 4:30 and ends at 6:45, except Highfalls, where registration ends at 6.

All events are totally non-profit with proceeds benefiting schools and community. 

Concessions will be available at each venue. 

Prizes will be awarded in band and individual instrument/vocal categories. 

All three events offer a great evening of local entertainment that is fun for the whole family.