The Old Time Fiddlers Convention in Athens Alabama is one event everyone should attend. 2016 is the 50th anniversary of this event which many say is the granddaddy of all.
The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention, or as locals know it - the Fiddlers’ Convention, is the true harbinger of Fall in Limestone County when Founders’ Hall Green is converted into a mecca for Bluegrass, Country and Mountain Music fans the first full weekend in October.
It is believed, the origins of the Fiddlers’ Convention can be traced back to the 1960’s when Sam McCracken, a Fiddle legend who can be found in the Archive of Folk Music in the Library of Congress, started hosting fiddling competitions in his Elk River home. This revival of music and the interest garnered led him to organize a grand fiddle off that morphed and transitioned through venues and times to become the champion-titling event it is today that is hosted by Athens State University as a fundraiser for scholarships.
Music isn’t the only draw for this grand event as over 50 food vendors, 150 arts and craft vendors and various other activities stretch throughout the weekend.
The whole family will enjoy the rich music and entertainment, authentic arts and crafts, and the deep American heritage that The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention brings to Athens, AL every year. Visit their website to learn more
