Fiddlers Frolics this weekend
It’s time to resin up the bow as the 55th annual Fiddlers Frolics will take place this weekend at the Hallettsville Knights of Columbus Hall.
The top-rated fiddler players in Texas, as well as some from out of state, will compete in being the best of the best hopefully to win the Texas State Championship Fiddling contest.
In addition, the Frolics will be holding its annual barbecue cook-off where cooks from around the area will compete to see who prepares the finest barbecue foods.
Friday, April 24
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Friday and the traditional Cajun Fun Night will start at 6 p.m.
Inside the hall, the son of Merle Haggard, Marty Haggard, will perform on stage and will be followed by Bennie Wheels and Walkin’ the Line, who play tribute to songs by Johnny Cash.
Haggard will perform from 8:30 to 10 p.m., while Wheels will be on stage from 10 to 12 midnight.
Admission for Friday night is free on the outside, but the entertainment inside the hall is $20 per person.
Saturday, April 25
On Saturday, doors will open at 8 a.m. and during the day various fiddle contests will take place inside the hall starting at 9 a.m.
Admission to Saturday’s fiddle competition is $12 per person.
At noon, a roast beef meal along with potatoes and corn will be available inside the hall.
Beginning at 1 p.m., the annual Gone to Texas fiddle contest will begin where fiddlers from outside the state of Texas will compete for top prizes.
Also starting at 1 p.m., Pat Matula and the Lonestar Playboys will perform on the outside stage under the pavilion. The entertainment is free to the public.
During the evening local favorite band Broken Alibi will open for Top 100 country singer T. G. Sheppard with the entertainment starting at 8:30 p.m.
Sheppard, who was a close personal friend to Elvis Presley, now hosts Elvis Radio on Sirius XM and his legendary career includes 21 number one hits. He also has made multiple appearances at the White House and regularly appears on the Grand Ole Opry.
The country music singer-songwriter has released over 25 albums with hits that include I Loved ‘Em Every One, Do You Wanna Go to Heaven, and Last Cheater’s Waltz.
”The cost for the Saturday night dance is $40 per admission at the door, or $35 if purchased online in advance.
Sunday, April 26
Activities continue Sunday morning with Fiddlers’ Frolics Hall of Fame induction ceremonies taking place along with the Senior division fiddle contest, where contestants 65 years or older, will compete.
At noon a chicken tender plate with broccoli medley will be served inside the hall.
The highlight of the event will be Sunday afternoon with the Texas State Fiddle contest.
Fiddle contestants from throughout Texas will perform to see who will wear the crown at this year’s state champion fiddler.
The fiddlers will compete throughout the afternoon and will culminate with the Cliff & Velda Fryer championship playoff starting around 5 p.m.
Cost for Sunday’s fiddle contest is $12 per ticket.
Under the pavilion, the Christian Country Music Ministry will play from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be followed by George Dearborn performing from 1 to 5 p.m.
The entertainment under the pavilion is free.
Along with all the musical entertainment taking place, the weekend will also offer the barbecue contest as well as arts & crafts booths and various types of food booths, including hamburgers.
The event promises fun for the whole family.
For more information concerning the Fiddlers’ Frolics weekend, log on to www.fiddlersfrolics.com or call the K of C Hall at (361) 798-2311.
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Admission cost
• Friday night hall entertainment .......................... Free
• Sat. fiddle contest ... $12
• Saturday night dance (Online Tickets) ....................$35
• Saturday night dance (at the door) ......................... $40
• Sun. fiddle contest ... $12
• Weekend pass ........... $60
• All activities outside the hall are free to the public.
Tickets can be purchased online.