Old Fiddler's Convention

Old
Fiddler's Convention - Galax, VA

Rules of Competition

All registrations must be postmarked by July 15, 2024 If not received by July 20, you will not be in the program book.
(a) Send registration to: Old Fiddler's Convention, P.O. Box 655, Galax, VA 24333. If not registered in advance, YOU DO NOT PLAY IN COMPETITION.
(b) Bands must register under band name. Individual members may also enter one other contest - instrumental or folk song or dance, if they desire. A contestant may only enter one category whether they compete in a band or not. However, no individual shall register in more than one contest outside of band.
(c) Individual Contestant must play a verse and chorus of a recognizable song from the public domain before any refund, otherwise, contestant will be disqualified and will not be refunded. Judges' decisions are final.
(d) Each individual contestant may have one musical accompaniment including folk song. Backup instrument cannot be the same as contestant instrument.
(e) Playing time is limited to 2 minutes and 30 seconds for individuals and bands except for flatfoot dancers which are limited to 30 seconds of flatfoot dancing. If red light comes on, you can finish the verse and chorus you are presently playing, but you cannot start another verse, otherwise you will be disqualified.
(f) To qualify, a band must consist of at least a banjo, a fiddle, and a guitar.
(g) No band will be allowed to play on Saturday night if they did not play on Friday night.
(h) No Bluegrass Banjo style picking to be in Old Time Band. No Old Time Banjo style picking to be in Bluegrass Band.
(i) No bass fiddle can be entered in the Old Time or Bluegrass individual fiddle competition.
(j) If an individual plays in more than one band, the bands will be disqualified.
(k) If a contestant breaks a string while performing, he must stop immediately, he will be allowed to replace string.
(l) Absolutely no playing inside stage building or will be disqualified during competition. Exception, retuning broken string.
(m) Dulcimer competition is for lap dulcimer only.
(a) Authentic folk songs shall be performed in a traditional manner in the folk song contest. No copyrighted music.
(b) All registered folk singers and flatfoot dancers age 15 and under are also eligible for youth ribbons judged in open competition.
No electrical instruments will be allowed in competition or played in the park at anytime.
Only string instruments will be allowed on stage, and no more than seven members allowed in band.
Individuals and folk song will perform one time; bands will perform twice; dancers and folk song will perform only Saturday afternoon.
Registered contestants must purchase correct contestant arm bands at main gate, but will be reimbursed $40 immediately upon presenting their arm band after their performance (EXCEPT FOR DANCE AND FOLK SONG, WHICH WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED). Registered contestants will not be reimbursed for general admission tickets. All bands must perform twice to be reimbursed.
All registered contestants must come through the front gate and identify themselves as registered contestants and the specific category or band they are registered in.
Moose Lodge #733 has exclusive rights to reproduce any and all music played at the Conventions. In filing entry, all contestants agree that the sponsors may tape and record performances free of claim of contestant.
Camping for registered string musicians only will be provided in park area. Contestant camper fee is $100.00. There is no refund for contestant camping. No walk in campers will be admitted until after 4:00 PM on Sunday, August 4th.
A picture ID required for any refund. Only exception will be a contestant under age 16, and they must be accompanied by parent or guardian with picture ID. This also must be presented at check-in table.
No taps in dance.
Only authentic names will be registered.
All ticket sales final - no exchanges or refunds. Lost or damaged arm bands or tickets will not be replaced or reimbursed.
No boom boxes, no amplified music, and no amplified instruments to be played at any time during the conventions. Anyone violating this rule will be subject to being removed from park, and charged with disturbing the peace.
Winners are responsible for contacting Moose if not present at awards ceremony.
All campers and vendors must be out of the park by 11:00 AM, Sunday, August 11th, 2024.
Average camping space is approximately 20' x 35'. Any camper over 35' will be required to buy two spaces.
All handicap must enter the gate on S. Main Street.
Any handicap person that wants to use a golf cart must contact the Galax Moose Lodge Administrator 30 days prior to receive approval. Must have approved notice and sticker to bring golf cart in park. This will be enforced.
Absolutely no dogs, skate boards, rollerblades, bicycles, motorcycles, golf carts, or ATVs on grounds.
No open air campfires.
No costumes on contestants that conceals his or her identity.
No open carry of firearms.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL LAWS WILL BE ENFORCED.
COVID protocols in effect at the time of the convention will be enforced.
Moose reserve the right to make changes at anytime.
NO EXCEPTIONS TO ANY OF THE ABOVE RULES!