Shelburne's Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship has seen many rising stars over the years, but perhaps none so popular as Scott Woods. The Grand Masters Champion, Fiddle Entertainer of the Year, and two-time winner of the Canadian Open Fiddle Contest will return with his band to Grace Tipling Hall for two shows on Saturday, October 24.

Sponsored since its inception 59 years ago by the Shelburne Rotary Club, the Contest now features Canada's top fiddlers in competition for more than $17,000 in prizes. Community events this weekend include fiddle workshops, camping, a giant fiddle parade featuring the Toronto Police Winged Wheels, an open air market, a non denominational church service, and pork BBQ.

Scott Woods first visited Shelburne as a young fiddler in 1979. "Even now, driving into town, I get a twitch in my stomach remembering how nervous I would get as a youngster competing. I remember the yellow glow from the lights at the arena and the shiny cardboard fiddles hanging from the rafters. I can picture that in my mind like I'm standing there right now."

Since May 2, Scott and his band have performed 62 shows from Vancouver to Prince Edward Island. Along the way, they have been collecting the most requested songs by audiences for their next show "By Request" which hits the road on September 2. Tickets can be purchased at Holmes Appliance and Music Store at 147 Main St. West in Shelburne for the October 24 shows.

Another star that has emerged from the Championship is April Verch, Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Champion and Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion. Verch is billed as "a world class fiddler, a champion Ottawa Valley step dancer, and acclaimed composer, and a vocalist whose voice has been hailed as "absolutely captivating" by the Toronto Star. April Verch and her band will perform tonight, August 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Playdowns for the 59th Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship will take place tomorrow (Friday) at 1 and 7 p.m. at the Shelburne arena. The contest finals start Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and will feature several fiddle and step dancing companies: CAPE Ceol, Elly Squared, FiddleStep and Triple Explosion. A judges' showcase will be included as part of the Saturday night entertainment featuring Webb Acheson, Doug McNaughton and April Verch. Ticket prices range from $10 to $40 with special prices for kids. For more information visit www.Shelburnefiddle contest. on.ca

Ticket outlets: Holmes appliances and Music Shop or by phone at 519-925-8620.

Scott Woods has some advice for young fiddlers hoping to win big at this year's competition. He tells his students to "practice a million times so that when you get up on stage it is just a million and one" and "no big deal". He recalled that as a kid, if he lost in Shelburne, he would be right back practicing even harder the very next day.

"My whole year was geared to performing in the Old Time Championships. I carried a piece of paper in my pocket that said 'Win in Shelburne'; I believe if you can dream it, it can happen."