Class of fiddlers performing during the competition.
On the second last day of Festival du Voyageur, the 43rd annual fiddling contest took place to a full room of 400 fiddling fans.
The contest started at noon with the 7 and under category. Emmaline Windsor took 2nd place and Tanner Nickolaychuk was the 1st place winner. In the age group of 8-10, Alexander Tetrault emerged the winner, while in the 11-13 category, Dylan Pinette won the gold and $75. Dylan’s brother, Christopher Pinette, started off the second half of competition in the 14-17 age group category.
Emmaline Windsor (2nd) and Tanner Nickolaychuk (1st) in under 7 category.
Alexandre Tetrault winner of the 8-10 category runs up to claim his prize.
Fiddle virtuoso, Patti Lamoureux, was on hand to provide entertainment with her fine fiddling accompanied by Lindsey Bart on acoustic guitar. They played their set half way through the contest, while the judges made their decisions on the under 7, 8-10, and 11-13 age categories.
Patti Lamoureaux and Lindsey Bart perform for enthusiastic crowd.
The duo was joined for a few songs by Dan Scramstad who brought along his guitar. During the trio’s set, they performed a very touching and beautiful version of Ray Charles’ ‘You Don’t Know Me‘ with Dan on vocals. Also playing was a class of young violin players who delivered a fine performance. All of the musicians had the audience on their feet dancing away.
Manitoba Fiddle Association was on hand with a table set up at back of hall (right).
Also on hand were members of the Manitoba Fiddle Association who were selling raffle tickets for a fine crafted $1400 fiddle. Along with the jigging contest, the fiddling contest is the longest running competition at Festival du Voyageur.
And with fiddle playing being passed down through the generations, this is one tradition that will certainly carry on for many years to come.
All photos by Doug Kretchmer.
