Registration to compete is at Homestead National Historical Park's Education Center from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm the day of the competition.
There are 4 main Divisions of Competition
Junior–for folks who have played less than 5 years
1st Place–$300
2nd Place–$200
3rd Place–$150
Senior–for folks who have played 5 years or more
1st Place–$350
2nd Place–$250
3rd Place–$200
Picking–for folks who play a stringed instrument that is not a fiddle
1st Place–$300
2nd Place–$200
3rd Place–$100
Band–for acoustic bands with a minimum of 3 folks that feature stringed instruments
1st Place–$400
2nd Place–$300
3rd Place–$250
Each contestant in the 3 individual divisions will play 3 tunes.
Hoedown
(an upbeat danceable tune in two or four)
Waltz
(a danceable tune in three)
Tune of Choice
(a tune other than a hoedown or a waltz, such as jigs, polkas, rags, blues, etc.)
Each acoustic band entry will play 2 tunes.
One song will be artist's choice
One song will be written in a traditional fiddle style. Any type of traditional acoustic music is allowed in this contest, including bluegrass, old-time, celtic, western, newgrass, swing, gospel, or other acoustic forms.
Additional Information
Individual contestants can play with one or two backup acoustic musicians, neither to be playing melody. A backup guitarist is available for fiddlers who need one.
Contestant will be judged on pitch, tone, rhythm, and presentation (showmanship, interpretation, flair, creativity, charisma, adherence to the rules, etc.).
Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in the Junior, Senior, Picking, and Acoustic Band categories.
Rules That Apply to All Contests
Contestants in all divisions are encouraged to announce each tune and to give a one sentence explanation of its origin.
