Fiddlers contest draws crowd despite weather

See video of Semo District Fair Fiddlers' Contest

Ranging in age from 9 to 93, 10 fiddlers competed at the SEMO District Fair's fiddlers contest Saturday.

More than 75 people showed up to watch the performance despite the threatening weather.

Each contestant played a waltz, a hoe down and a fiddler's choice tune, with execution time limited to seven to eight minutes for all three. Cash prizes were awarded for first place in each of the three categories -- $50 in the youth division (up to age 10), $75 in the junior division (10 to 18) and $100 in the senior division (18 and up). Registration was up from last year's six or seven contestants, despite the rain.

Tanner Hankins, 14, of Cape Girardeau, explained that moisture and dryness are tough on a violin. "I had to send mine to St. Louis to get fixed because it cracked. Moisture can expand the wood and make them get out of tune, too." He has taken lessons for about a year and a half. It was his first time entering a fiddle contest, and he took first place in the junior division.

Each fiddler seemed to have their own style -- regardless of age -- varying from serious and rigid to focused and almost swaying. Ninety-three-year-old Tim Stokes was the only seated player, and at times held the instrument almost sideways and tapped his right foot through all three tunes.

Rebecca Stortz of Perryville, Mo., said her daughter, Heather, performed for the first time. "She was upset after watching the first performer and began to doubt herself," Stortz said.

With her mother's encouragement, Heather went on to win first place in the youth division. Heather has taken lessons for six months.

"She loves to play it," Stortz said. "She even asks to practice. Her grandpa was a fiddler and banjo player, so I guess that's where she gets it."

Three judges, chosen by activities tent director Dale Steffans, based their decisions on tone, timing and execution of the music. "I consider them all very qualified," Steffans said.

The judges, at a table at the rear of the tent, did not face the fiddlers and heard them announced only by number.

Making decisions was "a little hard," said judge Percy Mangels. It was his first time judging, and he said he would do it again. "I enjoyed it," he said.

"The senior division was tough," said Phyllis Brunke, a judge for several years. "They were all very, very good. There were good entries in every division, though."

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133