Monumental Fiddling

Mark your calendars for the most monumental of Monumental Fiddling Championship and Acoustic Band Contests. This day of rousing music and fun-filled competition will take place at Homestead National Monument of America’s Education Center on Saturday, May 24, 2008.

In celebration of its 10th Anniversary total prize money for the event will increase to $1000, thanks to the Leigh F. Coffin, Jane M. Coffin, and Leigh M. Coffin Foundation. There is no registration fee or admission fee for the Monumental Fiddling Championship and Acoustic Band Contest.

"The tenth annual Monumental Fiddle Festival is shaping up to be one of the biggest ever. Plan to attend this wonderful event to kick off the summer season." said Mark Engler, Superintendent of Homestead National Monument of America.

The day will start with a free workshop for fiddlers. Participants will be divided into Junior (less than five years experience) and Senior Divisions. Participants will be asked to play a hoedown, waltz and tune of choice. All music should be from the homesteading era of 1862 to when Homestead National Monument of America was created in 1936. There will be an evening concert of winners with the top three in each division receiving cash prizes and trophies. Times for the workshop, registration, competition and evening concert will be announced at a later date.

The Nebraska Chapter of American String Teachers Association will again be conducting a fiddle tune writing contest. The winning tune will be announced at the competition. For more information on the writing contest, contact Deborah Greenbleatt at g-s@alltel.net.

The Monumental Fiddling Championship and Acoustic Band Contest is sponsored in part by the Nebraska Arts Council, Leigh F. Coffin, Jane M. Coffin, and Leigh M. Coffin Foundation and Eastern National Bookstore.