The Inaugural National Fiddling day was held at the St. Norbert Farmers Market on Saturday, May 16th. The Federal Government passed a Bill to designate the third Saturday in May as National Fiddling Day, paying tribute to the country's fiddling heritage. It is held in conjunction with World Fiddle Day.

The Southglen Fiddlers started their performance by playing "Canada's Fiddling Day Two Step" aka "Fiddle Bill". It was composed by Kelli Trottier in honour of this day. Dignitaries were on hand to open the Farmers Market season with the "Cutting of the Fiddle String".

The Norman Chief Memorial Dancers entertained the crowd with their band. Crowds clapped their hands and tapped their toes to the music of many of Manitoba's fiddlers in the following Jam Session.

This annual fiddle fest was held at Meadow Lea Hall with 2 first-time competitors and 19 competitors in the other categories.  There were 4 sets of Twin Fiddlers.  It was a full day for Carl Sobkowicz, Denis Encontre, and Garnet Knight judging the competition.  Registration started at 11:00am and ran until 1:00pm at which time the competitors had an opportunity to practice with one of the accompanists - Mathieu Reimer or Shirley Sobkowicz.

The first-time competitors along with the 12 & under contestants were adjudicated after they played. The Metis Prairie Steppers entertained while the judges put their heads together to choose the gold, silver, and bronze medallists.  The remaining entrants competed after the steppers and the King family entertained the crowd.  A roast beef supper was served at 6:00pm with an old time dance that followed with music by The Mark Morisseau Band.

Once again, Mark Morisseau entertained as the Celebrity Fiddler and did a super job of acting as MC for the competition.

A big thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers that made this event successful!

Please see the photos below and the attached file for competition results.

The Manitoba Fiddle Association held the Wall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremonies on Sunday, April 26th at the Carman Community Hall in Carman, MB.

We are proud to announce our 2015 inductees:

Cecil Isliefson - Fiddler (posthumously)
Alvin Clark - Fiddler
Luella Noble - Accompanist
Noreen Pongoski - accompanist

Follow the link to the 2015 Wall of Fame Inductee page for photos.