Keeping tradition alive with folk roots, the MSO sponsors the Minnesota State Old Time Fiddle Championship.

We bring fiddlers together, providing a live performance opportunity, and an opportunity to grow as a musician through feedback from our judges.

We are proud to provide live entertainment for our local audience as well as bring tourists to beautiful Northern Minnesota’s Iron Range during Mountain Iron Merritt Days.

Competition Information

The Minnesota State Old Time Fiddle Championships is certified by the National Old Time Fiddle Association, and the winner of each age division qualifies to participate in the National Old Time Fiddle Championships.

Contestants will need to play three tunes: a hoedown (reel), a waltz, and a tune of choice (rag, polka, jig, etc.). The exception is twin fiddling where only one tune is required. Another tune in your back pocket should be prepared in case of a tie. No sheet music is allowed on stage.

Cash prizes are awarded to contestants in each age division. The highest scoring contestant in each division will be qualify to play in the National Old Time Fiddle Championships.

2023 Results

Championship Division

 
 

1 - Olivia Skaja — Winter Park, FL

2 - Tom Weisgerber — St. Peter, MN

3 - Sheila Wilcox — Mountain Iron, MN

4 - Teresa Walter— Rochester, MN

5 - Aaron Wilcox — Duluth, MN

Olivia Skaja

Championship Division
First Place


Junior-Junior Division

1 - Carmen Morgan — Britt, MN

2 - Rosalie Flynn — Brainerd, MN

3 - Josiah Shaulis — Gilbert, MN

4 - Katie Louks — Virginia, MN

Intermediate Division

1 - Sarah Shaulis — Gilbert, MN

Senior Division

1 - Bonnie Swanoski — Superior, WI


Non Fiddle Division

1 - Ellie Norvitch (Viola) — Gilbert, MN

2 - Darren Tweten (Viola) — Kinney, MN

 

Twin Fiddling

1 - Ellie Norvitch and Sheila Wilcox

2 - Darren Tweten and Josh Tweten