Rules

1. Bands must have banjo, guitar and fiddle or mandolin, electric bass is allowed in Bluegrass and Old Time Band Competition only. Bands are limited to 7 members max. 

2. All bands are encouraged to play both nights, but bands can choose to compete on Friday or Saturday. No substitutions or additions of band members, if competing both Friday and Saturday night. All band members must be registered contestants.

3. If a band chooses to compete on both Friday and Saturday, the highest score from both nights will be the score that is submitted for the competition. 

4. Bands must play two songs. The first is a warm-up/not judged. The second is judged. Other than mic checks, talking (even introduction of band members) is cause for disqualification. If time allows, we may invite you to play a third non-judged song to entertain the crowd.

5. No medley of tunes allowed.

6. Individuals may compete in one band, one instrumental category and in folk song and/or flatfoot.

7. Individual instrumentalists may be accompanied by one instrumentalist (no vocals). The accompanying instrument can be the same as the instrument being judged; however, the accompanist must be back-up only. Folk singers may sing a Capella, accompany themselves on an instrument; be accompanied by one instrumentalist or accompany themselves on an instrument and be accompanied by one instrumentalist.

8. Children 16 or younger can compete in adult or children’s competition. A child may compete as an adult in one competition and as a child in another (cannot compete in the same category for Adult and Child Individuals).

9. Only string acoustic instruments; no electric instruments EXCEPT Electric Bass allowed in Bluegrass Band Competition ONLY

10. Taps are not permitted in the dance contest or in the audience.

11. In folk song competition, only authentic folk songs less than 3 minutes allowed.

Children 16 or younger can compete as an adult or child. If in the youth category, further separated by ages 9 & under; and ages 10-16. Ribbons will be awarded to top three youth competitors in each instrumental category and in folk song and flatfoot dance.

Categories

  • Bluegrass Band
  • Old-Time band
  • Folk Song
  • Flatfoot Dance
  • Dobro
  • Old-Time Mandolin
  • Old-Time Fiddle
  • Guitar
  • Bluegrass Mandolin
  • Bluegrass Fiddle
  • Bluegrass Banjo
  • Clawhammer Banjo
  • Bass
  • Dulcimer

No additional instrumental categories will be added to listing above.

Prizes

  • Bands – 1st: $600; 2nd: $500; 3rd: $400 
  • Individual Instrumentalists – 1st: $100; 2nd: $75; 3rd: $50 
  • Folk Song & Flat Foot(each)– 1st: $50; 2nd: $40; 3rd: $30
  • All youth competitors will receive one free event T-shirt