An audience of about 200 attended the 10th annual Old Tyme Fiddle Contest on Apr. 24 at McKenna Hall.Each contestant had to play a waltz, a jig and a reel, hornpipe or breakdown.There were 19 competitors from across Saskatchewan who took part.
An audience of about 200 attended the 10th annual Old Tyme Fiddle Contest on Apr. 24 at McKenna Hall.Each contestant had to play a waltz, a jig and a reel, hornpipe or breakdown.There were 19 competitors from across Saskatchewan who took part. The house accompanist, was Lionel Gilbertson from Saskatoon, who has played at the contest for several years now.Championship players Lucas Welsh from Davidson, Dale Amyotte from Saskatoon and Kuno Freitag from Alameda were the judges for the contest. They joined forces to play for the audience. This was a successful event for this years coordinators, Lynn Fawcett, April Sampson (who also served as emcee) and Rita Hallberg.The winners in the various categories are as follows.In Novice 12 and under: first, Sierra Haynes, Regina; second, Benjamin Katz, Regina; third, Alexis Vandermey, Weyburn; fourth, Jacob Ulrich, Milestone.The award for youngest fiddler went to Alexis Vandermey, age seven years.In Junior 18 and under: first, Kelsey Schmidt, Regina; second, Raymond Knorr, Regina; third, Adam Fawcett, Weyburn; fourth, Mitchell Dureault, Wolseley; fifth, Benjamin Knorr, Regina; sixth, Aimee-Lyn Chapman, Yellow Grass.The best waltz under 18 years was by Raymond Knorr, awarded by Noreena Radu of Regina in memory of her late husband Gordon, who was a dedicated contestant at all the contests; they established this award so they could give a little something back.In the category for Senior 65 and over: first, Fred Easton, Kenosee Lake; second, Richard Scotton, North Battleford; third, Paul Olsen, Canwood.The award for Young at Heart contestant: Fred Easton, 86 years.In the Open category: first, Elisa Fawcett, Weyburn; second, Kristian Wenaus, Regina; third, Evie Alexander, Weyburn.In the Championship category: first, James Steele, Saskatoon; second, Lionel McCorriston, Tisdale; third, Derek Rude, Lake Alma.In Twin Fiddling, in Harmony: first, Elisa Fawcett and James Steele; second, Kelsey Schmidt and Raymond Knorr; third, Derek Rude and Evie Alexander.In Novelty, choice tune, something different: first, James Steele; second, Derek Rude; third, Richard Scotton.The Twin Fiddle and Novelty classes were sponsored by the families of Elmer Surring, who died in 2006 at age 88. He played fiddle, guitar and banjo, and music was a major part of his life.
