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Fiddler’s contest held at Curwensville Days
Friday, July 20, 2012
By Dianne Byers Staff Writer
CURWENSVILLE - Drizzly weather did not dampen the spirit of last night's Curwensville Days fiddler's contest, but it may have affected the number of contest participants.
Traditionally each division, youth, teen, adult and senior, has at least one musician, but last night only the teen and senior divisions had contestants.
Gloria "Skip" Hoover, a member of the festival's permanent committee, said the committee never knows how many contestants to expect since competitors are invited through a general announcement of the contest, but this year was the smallest group they have had in a while. "I think that with the rain, some thought (the contest) would be canceled but we go on unless there is thunder and lightning."
Each contestant plays three pieces for a panel of three judges that are seated facing away from the stage. Bob E. Day, local radio personality, who served as master of ceremonies, explained the judges are only allowed to base their scores on the sound and the music. Performance style and facial expressions don't count, he said.
Each contestant has five minutes to play three songs, a hoedown, a waltz and a piece of their choice.
In the teen division, two sisters, Lillian and Grace Turner of DuBois, competed with Grace taking home first place and Lillian, second. In the senior division, Dave Knepp of Clearfield was the sole competitor and received first place.
Even though last night's weather may have reduced numbers and forced visitors to have an umbrella in hand for protection from sudden showers, Jackie Trifelli, Curwensville Days chairwoman, said the committee has been pleased overall with the attendance. "We are doing well this week. We've had nice crowds in the park and great entertainment in spite of the heat and the rain."
Trifelli encouraged those who haven't visited the festival to come out and enjoy several new attractions. "We have rides this year. We haven't had them in a few years but people asked for them and they are back. We also have several new vendors." She also noted nightly entertainment is free.
Today's entertainment lineup at Curwensville Days includes a performance by Touch of Gold indoor flag and baton team, on the paved area in front of the band shell at 6 p.m., followed by the Moore Brothers at 8 p.m.
Tomorrow, Curwensville Days activities get an early start with registration for the Curwensville Susquehanna Classic 10K run and 5K walk at 7:30 a.m. The bus, carrying runners and walkers will depart for the race's starting line near Lumber City at 8:30 a.m. The race will begin at 9 a.m. Also at 9 a.m., registration gets underway for the Curwensville Days antique and classic car show. Registration will continue through noon.
At 10 a.m. on the ball field, located in front of Curwensville Area High School, alumni from former Golden Tide baseball teams will play a game to raise funds for the Golden Tide baseball boosters. Also at 10 a.m., the chicken barbecue, sponsored by the Curwensville Rotary Club starts.
The stand is located across Susquehanna Avenue from Bumbarger's Auto Repair. The cost is $8 for the meal that includes half a chicken, baked beans and coleslaw.
At 4 p.m., trophies will be presented to the winners of the car show. At 6:30 p.m., the parade sponsored by Rescue Hose and Ladder Co. of Curwensville steps off. Awards and trophies for the parade will be presented on the band shell stage following the close of the parade. At 9 p.m., the band Live Bait and Friends will perform on the stage.
Curwensville Days admission, parking and entertainment are free. Carnival rides, food, displays and children's games are available each day.
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