Tallgrass Prairie Fiddle Festival Contest Rules

Woman sits on grass and tunes up her violin.
Fiddle contestant tunes up her instrument.

NPS

Registration

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.

  1. Hoedown

    • (an upbeat danceable tune in two or four)
  2. Waltz

    • (a danceable tune in three)
  3. 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.

  • All decisions of the judges are final.

 

Last updated: April 10, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

8523 West State Highway 4
Beatrice, NE 68310

Phone:

402 223-3514

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