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Welcome to Abingdon Fiddlers'
At the end of 2021, a group of Washington County Fairground board members came together with the town of Abingdon, the director of The Crooked Road and local bluegrass enthusiasts to began discussing the possibility of a Fiddler's Convention in Washington County. The idea of talented musicians, camping and good food, nestled on a beautiful piece of property sounded like a fantastic idea. Not knowing if we would have 100 people or 1,000 our first year, we ended up having 120 competitors, 2,700 spectators from 11 different states. It was a fun weekend and made us excited to keep growing.
The Washington County Fairgrounds is a 501C-3, all proceeds of this event will be used for capital improvement projects for the Fairgrounds Property with the goal of bringing more events and opportunities to Washington County, VA, and our region. Thank you for being part of the 2nd Annual Fiddler’s Convention. We hope you will enjoy your time and we also hope you will give us any feedback as we are still new, but we are determined to have one of the best events in Southwest Virginia. Thank you to those who have sponsored. Thank you to those who stepped up and volunteered. We truly appreciate each one of you.
FAQ & Rules
Do I need to pre-register for competition?
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Registration is not required but highly recommended for staff to get a head count being our second year.
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Update******* NEW COMPETITION INCENTIVES ADDED******** Register for the categories you plan to compete in. Your number will be entered every time you compete to WIN multiple door prizes that have been donated by local businesses. Door Prizes will be listed
*****PRE-REGISTRATION DRAWING******
1- A Door Prize will be given away to those that pre-register and compete. Anyone that PRE-REGISTERS BY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023 AT 10:00 PM will be entered to WIN.
Rules: Skill level does not apply in these drawings. Every time a contestant competes in a category they will be entered to win. Mailing address must be on registration form if you will not be available for awards. Drawing will take place before awards on Saturday night. If awards are not claimed within 30 days, prizes will be forfeited.
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Even if you pre-registered online, Everyone has to go to the Welcome Center
What are the ages for competition?
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Youth = 17 & Under
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Open = All Ages
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Youth may compete in open categories and bands on Friday and Saturday, as well as the Youth Competition Saturday at 11:00 AM.
Is Competition Free? Do Competitors have to pay at the gate?
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Yes, it is free to compete.
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Yes, each person must pay at the gate and have a wristband on the entire time.
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Gate Admission CLICK HERE
Will it be held inside or outside? Will It happen rain or shine?
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Abingdon Fiddlers' will be held outside, however, in case of rain it will be moved inside the main building on the inside stage. The Show will go on
Will there be camping?
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Yes, tent and RV/Motorhome camping allowed. Please make reservation in advance for planning purposes since this is our first year. Drive up campers will be allowed, but we are asking to pre-register if possible.
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Click HERE to fill out camping application
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No Hook Ups, Dry Camping Only. There are a few electric outlets based on first come, first serve.
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RV pumping service will be available for a fee by Complete Contractors
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No Open Camp Fire
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Restroom facilities available around the Fairgrounds
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Campgrounds open at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 9, 2023.
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All campers and vendors must be out of the Fairgrounds by 11:00 AM, Sunday June 11, 2023.
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Campground Jamming is allowed. There will be a few places around the stage where "No Jamming" signs will be posted so it does not cause issues with the competition. However, jamming in the campground and parking lot is allowed.
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Drugs and alcohol laws will be enforced. No drugs allowed. No open display of alcohol allowed.
How can I be a Vendor at the Fiddlers?
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Click HERE for an application to set up as a vendor at the Abingdon Fiddlers' Convention.
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For Food Vendors please contact Jessica Tilson 276-619-1149
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For Retail or Non-Profit Vendor space contact Shauna Reynolds 276-698-8851
How can I be a Sponsor for Abingdon Fiddlers'?
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Click HERE for a Sponsorship Application
Are dogs allowed?
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All dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Are golf carts allowed?
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Yes, we welcome golf carts with a permit. Permits are $5.00 and drivers must be 16 years old and older.
Are there local hotels near the Fairgrounds?
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Yes, two within a mile of the Fairgrounds and several others throughout the town of Abingdon.
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Make your reservations ASAP because hotels are filling up due to an event in Bristol the same weekend. Hotels committed to Fiddlers' Rates as of today:
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Quality Inn & Suites, Abingdon, VA (Ask for the FIddlers' Convention Rate)
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Click HERE for a list of hotels and phone numbers in Abingdon, VA
Click HERE for a list of bed and breakfasts in town -
Check out one of our sponsors WELKIN RENTALS for local vacation rentals. They have 3 RV's they will set up on site you can rent, along with properties around the county.
Are there local campgrounds with full hook-ups in the area?
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Yes, Washington County Park at South Holston Lake accepts online reservations for full hook up camping.
Will souvenirs be sold?
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There will be limited number of hats, t-shirts and stickers available, so be sure to hit the t-shirt booth as soon as you arrive
Washington County Fairgrounds and The Abingdon Fiddlers’ Convention is not responsible for theft or damage to property or any bodily injury. Your attendance and participation in this event is an express waiver of any and all event and premise liability for theft or damage to property or any bodily injury occurring on the premises or during the course of the event.
