Shelburne is all set for the 57th annual Canadian Open Old Time Fiddlers' Championship, the service clubs' and committees' hard work having culminated in creating an exciting line-up for this year's event.

The new Fiddle Park site, located on Dufferin County Road 11, just behind John and Lin's No Frills, will be a change for visitors and campers this year, work and development of the park having progressed well.

The Fiddle Park committee and the Town spent countless hours ensuring the site was ready to welcome guests this year.

"This year, we wanted to get Fiddle Park open," said the town's works supervisor, Larry McGregor. "But this is just the beginning; each year improvements and facilities are going to be added."

All told, 500 campsites have been staked, the roads, berms and fencing are complete, and water and lighting is done.

Carolyn Mach, spokesperson for the Rotary club, says the events portion of the festival is an exciting lineup that's sure to delight.

"We have the Schryer family booked for Thursday night," she said. "Their names are well known here, having included past champions."

The Schryer family performance will include triplets Louis, Pierre and Dan performing alongside their other siblings, Raymond and Julie.

Ms. Mach says a shuttle bus service will be running between the new Fiddle Park campground and the Centre Dufferin Recreation Centre (CRDC) and points in between, as it has in past years. "I don't anticipate any problems with the location of the new campsites because we have always provided shuttle bus service; this year is no different," she said.

Ms. Mach says entertainment on Saturday night, besides the competitors, will include something they tried and had success with last year.

"We have booked five different acts, fiddlers and stepdancers, that will take the stage in between the different competitions," she said. "It was well received last year."

At last count, 65 registrations had been received from competitors and Ms. Mach said with registration being available on the website, registrations are being received up until the opening day.

Debbie Western, spokesperson for the Town, said the planning for the Fiddle Parade is done. The parade, held on Saturday, usually draws a huge crowd.

Information about the parade route (included in this paper) can also be found on the town's website at www.townofshelburne.on.ca under the Recreation and Leisure tab.

Russell Scriver, spokesperson for Shelburne Kinsmen Club, says reservations for the campsite are close to 400, with a limit of just over 500.

"Camp registrations are going very well but I still think there are some people who will come in last minute," he said.

Mr. Scriver is taking reservations for camping right up to the date of the competition.

To book a campsite, call Mr. Scriver at 519-925-6289. If leaving a message please provide, name, address, phone number and campsite preference.

Details and information about the fiddle contest can be found on the website at shelburnefiddlecontest. on.ca or by calling 519-925-2600, ext. 238.