The second weekend of February each year since 1980 the Gila Valley has hosted an annual Fiddle Contest. Formerly the Eastern Arizona Old-Time Fiddlers Contest, the festival has grown into the Gila Valley Fiddle Festival and Contest. They are setting up at the Mt. Graham Golf Course for the second year in a row, and and can’t wait to see the talent that floods the stage as usual!

With contestants ranging from 3 years old to 93+ there is entertainment for everyone during this exciting event. The early birds get together on Thursday evening for a pot luck with all the meats provided. Friday is set up the stage day with a delicious BBQ Potluck Dinner with the main course catered by the Double R Grill at the Golf course. It’s also Jam session/open mic night with a guest band. This dinner and show is $25 pre-sale and $30 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free. Sponsors to the event get two free tickets for Friday Night.

You can be a sponsor too. You may donate personally or as a business and get a tax credit for your contributions to the Arizona Old-Time Fiddlers 501(c)(7)! Ask Kevin or Brianna for your receipt. Please donate by February 1st to get your name or Logo on our event banner. Contributions can range from $100-$10,000 or more.

Saturday begins with Registration at 8AM and contest at 9AM. The Saturday night dance will have a rockin’ band ready to jam so bring your dancing shoes and a date! Event is $6 or $10/couple.

Sunday Morning Old-Time Gospel Hour is led by our favorite bass playing lady Beth Cox. 8AM-9AM Contest will reconvene at 9:30AM and will end approximately 3PM. The restaurant and golf course close at 7PM on Sunday. The contest includes various age groups and embraces a variety of fiddle genres.

We have a vocal contest, a band contest, and a twin fiddle division. In addition is a Show Your Stuff contest. Each fiddler has 6 minutes to perform. This special division has $1,500 in prize money and 5 places. Registration is $5 to $10 dollars with cash prizes winnings for all.