Ashe Bluegrass and Old-Time Fiddlers Convention July 31 to August 1

Story by Anna Oakes

Celebrating its 39th year, the Ashe County Bluegrass and Old-Time Fiddlers Convention will hold its first-ever two-day event on Friday and Saturday, July 31 and August 1. The competition takes place at the Ashe County Park in Jefferson.

This year’s festival offers more than $3,600 in prize money to competitors, with categories for bluegrass and old-time bands, old-time and bluegrass banjo, old-time and bluegrass fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass fiddle, dobro, folk song and dance. The competitions include adult and youth divisions.

Gates open around 3:00 p.m. on Friday, and the convention continues all day and evening on Saturday. The option of first come, first serve camping is now available to attendees. Sites with no hookups are $10 per night; five sites with electricity are available at $15 per night.

The convention started in 1971 as a scholarship fundraiser for the Rotary Club of the Jeffersons. The late Earl ‘Doc’ Hightower organized the first convention and served as the first emcee, welcoming eight bands to the competition. The convention has raised more than $550,000 for scholarships over the years.

Held in Ashe County Park, originally purchased by eight Rotarians, the current stage is located in a natural amphitheatre surrounded by mountains landscapes.

Advance tickets are $8 per night or $13 for both days. Tickets at the gate are $10 each night or $15 for both days. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult.

The Ashe County Park is located at 527 Ashe Park Road in Jefferson, behind the National Guard Armory on Old Highway 16 North. Directional signs will be posted at major intersections.

For official contest rules or more information, call 336-977-1427 or click to the convention’s new website, www.ashefiddlers.com.

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