Winning fiddler April Alexander, Motley, placed second in her age group at the annual Fiddler Approximately 400 people attended the 26th Annual Fiddler’s Contest April 10, at the Pillager High School gymnasium.

The 24 competing fiddlers (ranging in age from eight - 79) hailed from all over Minnesota; each vying for cash prizes and a shot at being named ‘Fiddler of the Year.’

This year’s top honor went to Cristina Seaborn of St. Cloud.

First, second and third place prizes were given in five different age groups; with first place winners receiving $40, second, $25 and third, $15.

Ages 8 - 15 o 1st: Devin Mathison, Foreston

o 2nd: Amanda Bentley, Brainerd

o 3rd: Abigail Mathison, Foreston

Ages 16 - 30

o 1st: Katelyn Ek

o 2nd: April Alexander, Motley

o 3rd: Ashley Philippi, Brainerd

Ages 31 - 45

o 1st: Lacie Philippi, Brainerd

o 2nd: Douglas Curnette, Brainerd

Old time dance tune Harold Ages 46 - 64

o 1st: Cristina Seaborn, St. Cloud

o 2nd: Harold “Butch” Hines, Pillager

Ages 65 and over o 1st: Bill Amundson, Bertha

o 2nd: Gilmore Lee, Maple Plain

o 3rd: Harry Wagoner, Aitkin

Judges - all fiddlers themselves - included Amber Bentley from Garrison; and Dennis LaValley and Ron Ware, both from the Brainerd area. The emcee for the evening was David Johnson.

The annual event is sponsored by the Pillager Fairboard, with all proceeds going toward the fairgrounds.

In addition to the fiddler’s contest, audience members enjoyed a preshow by the Jeff LaSart family of Deerwood. They also had the chance to win a number of raffle prizes, including two rifles, a color television (won by Lori Johnson of Pillager) and a $200 gift certificate to WalMart (won by Jeff Bjerga, Motley).

Two fiddling Aprils April Alexander (left) of Motley had the chance April 11, to meet Canadian fiddle champ and stepdancer April Verch, following Verch Fairboard president Arnie Cole has been a part of the fiddler’s contest since the beginning. “It was my wife, Connie, who actually started it,” Arnie said.

The event is popular and has continued to grow, Arnie said, because it features quality musicians and music that is enjoyed by a multitude of age groups.

“It’s happy music,” Arnie said. “I grew up listening to it..my grandpa and a few uncles played the fiddle. The only thing I know how to play is the radio and the jukebox, but I sure do love fiddle music.”