2009 Open Championship winner Kyle Charron and Mayor Ed Crewson Currently visiting from a nation with a rich history of celtic and folk music, I find attending Shelburne’s famous annual fiddle festival this weekend is something that really attracts my attention.

There are many signs and hints of Ontario’s links with Scotland and Ireland including towns, family names and culture.

Shelburne’s Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship, now entering its 60th year, is again ready to show off their rich history of fiddle music with a full weekend of music, events and partying starting this Thursday with an appearance by previous champion Scott Woods.

This type of event is nothing unfamiliar to me, with similar festivals taking place continuously around towns and cities across Scotland, but upon hearing of Shelburne’s reputation as one of the best places in the whole of North America for this genre of music, I feel excited about attending such a well renowned event.

Along with the competitions, offering over $21,000 in prize money, there is also a crafter’s market, a giant parade, various workshops on playing the fiddle and what looks like plenty of places to eat.

Although I am considered to be a foreigner from Scotland, Ireland also makes an appearance several times in my family tree and an event such as this makes me feel welcome and more at home in a country which has countless connections with my home nation.

I am sure I am not alone, with many other ex-patriots from the United Kingdom likely to make an appearance and join in the festivities and celebrate Shelburne’s, and their own, heritage.