Competition Rules

General Rules

• Advance registration received to June 7th, 2013. Registration will be accepted after June 10th if space permits. Late registration closes on Thursday, July 4th, 2011 at 8:00 pm.
• Contestants may enter one class only in Fiddle, one in Novelty, and one class only in Step Dance * [see exception - Group Rules # 6]
• Contestants may use their own or house accompanists, one instrument only, no recorded music (Piano Chords appreciated for house accompanists).
• Contestants are responsible to be on time at the stage for their performance,
• All Contestants must compete in the Preliminary Competition.
• Three finalists in all classes will compete in the Finals, with the exception of the 9 Years and under Class and the 10-12 Years Classes where up to four finalists will compete.
• The decision of the judges is final.
• Contestants are admitted free to all events of the Festival excluding Friday and Saturday Night’s Program. 1st Place Contestants will have free admission to Friday and Saturday night.
• Accompanists admitted free to events in which they play.
• Order of play is determined by organizers.
• First place winners will be expected to perform on Saturday night during the Festival of Stars.
• There is a maximum of three consecutive First Place finishes in any single category.

RULES - FIDDLE CLASSES

• Contestants must play: waltz, jig and reel in that order.
• Time Limit : 4 minutes.
• Tunes must be of accepted old-time variety.
• Accompanists may chord or play melody.
• All judging is based on contest rules - time, tone, technique, and over-all accuracy.
• The only instrument which may be used by the contestant is a fiddle.

RULES: GROUP CLASS

• A group is defined as minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 fiddlers.
• Each participant must play a fiddle.
• Each group may have one accompanist, no recorded music.
• Tunes - waltz and old time tune of their choice, in that order.
• Time limit: 4 minutes.
• Group participants may compete in one other fiddle class and one step dance class.

RULES: STEP DANCE CLASSES

• Each Contestant must dance a reel.
• Time Limit: 3 minutes.
• A re-dance will be allowed in case of an accident – judges’ decision.
• Contestants judged on: Timing, Execution, Variety of Steps, and Presentation.
• No recorded music.

RULES: NOVELTY CLASS

• Open to all ages, as singles or in groups and must include fiddle
• Maximum number of contestants for class 15 on first come basis registration
• One tune (your choice)
• Time Limit 2 ½ minutes
• Order of Play-Random Draw
• Dress- casual or costume
• Judge- Audience response
• Prize $250.00 Winner takes all.