The Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competition is being hosted in High River this year in High River, with 27 fiddlers from across the country taking part in the annual event. Competitors are invited by a review committee for a chance to win a trophy and cash prize. “We are thrilled to have the contest coming to Alberta, as the last time we hosted it here was in 2016,” said Barb Haney, Alberta committee co-chair. “What a wonderful experience for our community to have all these fiddlers from across Canada coming. “Many spectators are seniors who have grown up dancing to this music so they just love to come and watch.” Haney said the event will feature junior and senior categories for the first time, with participants of all ages performing at the Highwood Centre. “Especially the Friday afternoon contest on Aug. 28, where we have the 10- to 16-year-olds and those 60 and older,” she said. “You can see the real various age range of people playing the fiddle and the junior class is going to have phenomenal fiddlers.” Many organizers and volunteers are also fiddle players. Alberta committee co-chair Randy Jones said visitors will be impressed by the level of talent. “We’re excited,” he said. “The fact that we’re going to see all kinds of styles of fiddling - there’s a big difference between Manitoba fiddling and Cape Breton fiddling, for example - so it’s a showcase that you won’t find anywhere else in Canada I’m sure.” Jones says generations of families have played the fiddle and continue to play because it’s in their blood. “It’s a tradition that came with pioneers and settlers,” he said. “Any time people hear fiddle playing, it brings back that heritage. Whether they attend dances or are young and inspired to learn, the fiddle community helps keep that tradition alive.” Charlie Gargus, a fiddler from Mundare, Alta., said he grew up in a musical family but only picked up the instrument later in life. “My father was a fiddler and as he aged he was very concerned that nobody was going to pick it up and follow him,” he said. “He had a very nice fiddle to give to one of the six kids and so I begrudgingly said, well dad I’m a guitar player, a bass player but I’ll try and learn how to play this fiddle.” Gargus is now competing in the inaugural senior category. “It’s just a way to keep your brain alive and active,” he said. “I actually started playing publicly with three ladies, they were the Fiddlin’ Grannies and two were in their 80s and one was 79.” Bill Watson, one of more than 100 volunteers at the event and a member of the Prairie Mountain Fiddlers, said the competition highlights exceptional musicianship. “To be part of a national event like this is something special,” he said. “The quality of music is outstanding, and I think audiences will really appreciate it.” Learn more about the competition here.
