The 60th anniversary Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship is just one week away!

Sponsored by Shelburne Rotary Club, the four-day event will open Thursday, August 5 and culminate in a finals competition Saturday evening, August 8, that will see winners walk off with more than $17,000 in prizes.

Community events in conjunction with the Fiddle Contest include camping, a giant Fiddle Parade featuring the Metropolitan Toronto Police Winged Wheels, an open air market, nondenominational church service, and 24-hour meals and entertainment at the Legion Hall.

New this year will be a Saturday morning fiddle jam (in addition to the very popular Friday morning fiddle jam) and a fiddle and step-dancing show following the parade on Saturday afternoon.

On Thursday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m., the contest organizers will welcome back Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Champion and Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion Scott Woods.

Scott and his band are sure to put on a footstomping, crowd-pleasing show.

The two-time winner of the Canadian Open Fiddle Contest, two-time winner of the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championships, and Canadian Fiddle Entertainer of the Year has also won other competitions and performed throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. Scott can turn somersaults and step dance while playing the fiddle.

For seven years Scott was the musical director and played the part of Don Messer in Memories of Don Messer’s Jubilee which toured extensively in Canada.

The contest starts with playdowns on Friday, August 6 at 1 and 7 p.m. at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex (Shelburne arena). Classes that will compete in the afternoon include the young (age 9 and under, ages 10-12) and the young at heart (age 56 and over). The evening features the remaining classes.

The contest finals will start at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and feature entertainment by the Jenish Sisters and The Third Degree, as well as the recently revived judges’ showcase.

In recognition of the 60th anniversary of the championship, past champions will also perform as part of the Saturday evening entertainment. For more information on the festivities visit www. shelburnefiddlecontest.on.c a

Ticket prices: Event package (Thurs. evening, Fri. all day, Sat .evening), adults $40, children (12 and under) $20; Scott Woods Show, adults $20, children $10; Playdowns, adults $10,children $3; Championship, Adults $20, children $10. Ticket Outlets: Holmes Appliances and Music Shop, 147 Main St. West, Shelburne, or by phone at 519-925-8620.