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.
2024 Results
Championship Division
1 - Teresa Walter — Rochester, MN
2 - Aaron Wilcox — Duluth, MN
3 - Sheila Wilcox — Mountain Iron, MN
4 - Lilly Benedict — Hammond, WI
5 - Brady Peterson — Virginia, MN
Teresa Walter
Championship Division
First Place
Junior-Junior Division
1 - Rosalie Flynn — Brainerd, MN
2 - Josiah Shaulis — Gilbert MN
3 - Katie Louks — Virginia, MN
4 - Reidun Shintre — Plymouth, MN
Junior Division
1 - Carmen Morgan — Britt, MN
2 - Ben Hsieh — Gilbert, MN
Intermediate Division
1 - Sarah Shaulis — Gilbert, MN
Senior Division
1 - Linnea Manning — Virginia, MN
2 - Randy Hinzmann — Zumbrota, MN
3 - Carrie Kelsey — Duluth, MN
Non Fiddle Division
1 - Mabel Jewell (Viola) — Britt, MN
Twin Fiddling
1 - Lilly and Laura Benedict
2 - Teresa Walter and Randy Hinzman
3 - Reidun and Kimberly Shintre
4 - Sarah and Josiah Shaulis