July 29, 2015 · 0 Comments
Finishing touches are in place for the 65th Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship, which will take place in Shelburne starting next Wednesday, August 5.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Shelburne, the event will feature Canada’s top fiddlers in competition for thousands of dollars in prizes. Community events in conjunction with the championship include camping, a giant fiddle parade, an open air market, and a non-denominational church service.
Back by popular demand after a crowd-pleasing show last year are Linsey and Tyler Beckett, who will take the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex (CDRC) stage next Thursday, August 6 at 7:30 p.m. The Beckett Family is sure to get your toes tappin’ with their arrangements of traditional country music and old-time fiddling. The family has three recordings available, “Fiddlin’ 4 Generations,” which included great-grandpa Elmer Beckett, “Changing Times”, and their latest, “The Roots of Our Raising.”
As well, Kelli Trottier, along with bandmates Andy Thompson and Jerry Clancy, will be performing Saturday afternoon and evening (August 8 at 3:15 p.m. and 6 p.m.). Born and raised in the hotbed of musical tradition and innovation that is Ontario’s Ottawa Valley, Kelli Trottier discovered her passion for entertaining, learned her craft, and developed her distinctive style while still right at home.
Kelli’s musical odyssey of dance, fiddle and song began early in life as she studied and mastered the unique and fluid style of stepdance.
The Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship starts with the playdowns on Friday, August 7 at 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. at the CDRC. Classes that will compete in the afternoon include the 9-and-under, 10-12 and 56 and over. The evening features the remaining classes.
The contest finals happen on Saturday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m. and will feature the crowning of the Canadian Open Champion and Canadian Open Junior Champion, entertainment, and the judges’ showcase.
Proceeds of the Fiddle Championship support Shelburne Rotary’s many charitable projects, including development of, and major financial contribution to a new BMX riding area in Shelburne’s Greenwood Park; renovation and expansion of the CDRC; Headwaters Health Care Centre; re-development of the Shelburne Library; Girl Guides and Boy Scouts; minor sports, such as: hockey, baseball, figure skating, lacrosse, soccer, and the Shepherd’s Cupboard food bank.
Ticket Prices: Event Package (Thurs. eve., Fri. all day, Sat. aft. and eve.) adults $50, youth (12 and under) $22; Beckett Family Show, adults: $25, youth $10; Friday Playdowns, adults $10, youth $3; Fiddle/Stepdance Show Saturday at 3:15 p.m., adults $7, youth free; Fiddle Championship, adults: $25, youth $10.
All the events take place at the CDRC (Shelburne Arena), 200 Fiddle Park Lane, Shelburne.