The first annual Fiddle Fest turned out to be a fabulous success. Downtown St. Catharines was packed with over 5,000 attending the event in conjunction with the Downtown Classic Car Show.

We had over 40 contestants from ages 5 to 100 competing in the event which was adjudicated by accomplished fiddlers; Wally Knash, Matthew Johnson and Michael Mattie.

The responses that I’ve been getting about the Fiddle Fest have been very gratifying. This was originally an idea that we thought might attract more people to our end of St. Paul St. during the annual car show. As an added bonus, it would give some of our students an opportunity to perform in public and have some fun competing. Well it not only did all of that. But it did it in a big way. So big that it appears that the dates have been set to do it again next year.

I’d like to thank the St. Catharines Downtown Association for their support of the Fiddle Fest.
Liz Fritshaw – Chairperson, and Trish Poloko – President, were very helpful and supportive through what was a fairly large but enjoyable undertaking. Trish and Liz were very gracious with some very kind words for our participation and presented me with a bouquet of flowers and a plaque. I didn’t expect this but appreciated it very much.

Some of our music students competed in the contest, and did very well. I want to thank them for their contribution and dedication.

Way to go guys…we’re proud of each of you;

Cassandra Swan – 1^st /19 to 44 age category
Liz Fanjoy – 2^nd / 19 to 44 age category
Tayler Russel – 2^nd/ 12 & under category
Brianne Mattie – 2^nd / 16 & under category

We’re also proud of Jane Gold who is a student at Ryson’s but chose to enter the Open Step Dance competition. Jane took home 2^nd prize! We didn’t teach her to do that…but obviously she’s pretty good!

Beth Bartley, our violin Teaching Director, and one of Niagara’s most accomplished, and renowned musicians competed in her age class and won 2^nd prize. (I promised Beth I wouldn’t disclose the age category here).

Beth was pretty much beaming all day as she proudly watched her students perform. She had taught or is teaching about half of the 40 contestants.

The Fiddle Fest was a terrific success and a great experience. If you were there, thank you for your support. If not, you’ll definately want to check it out next year.

Please feel welcome to send me your comments.