Fiddler's Contest takes the stage at Wilderness

The Montana State Old Time Fiddlers Contest in Lincoln last weekend seemed to be a hit.

"It went really well," said Montana State Old Time Fiddlers Association President Isaac Callendar. "Everybody seemed to have a good time. It was everything I hoped it would be."

The contest drew 52 fiddlers in the age categories, which was an increase from about 30 contestants last year. Callendar said that included about a dozen kids younger than eight who competed in the Peewee division. He was pleased, because that's a number on par with the Northwest Nationals contest.

Callendar believed moving the date up to August from September helped, as did the Lincoln venue. He said many fiddlers he hadn't seen in years showed up showed up because they had fond memories of the fun they had at annual contests held at the Wilderness in the 80's and 90's. He also felt performing on the outdoor Wilderness stage recaptured a laid-back feeling other venues have lost.

Callendar said some members had concerns about holding the family-friendly event at a bar; it's usually been held at a school or community center. However, he said the Wilderness, proved to be a safe place for kids, parents didn't have to worry about them wandering off and everybody had fun.

"I would like to thank the community and supporting it. I hope it helped the businesses in town," he said.

The feedback Callendar received during the weekend was very positive and he said he hopes to bring the state contest back to Lincoln again next year.