Fiddlers of All Ages Compete in State Fair Contest
August 19, 2011
Lacey Partlow of Stuart fiddled her way to a grand championship title at the 86th Annual Fiddlers’ Contest judged Sunday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair.
Bettie Swarts of Indianola was the first runner-up.
Qualifying contests for the grand championship were held Friday through Sunday, August 11 to 14. The winners of the 18-49 age division and 50 and older age group then advanced to the grand championship.
Additional results below:
Under Age 17 – Friday, August 12
1) Peter Bailey, 14, Otley
2) Anna Erickson, 13, Chanhassen, Minn.
3) Cory Upton, 17, Des Moines
4) Benjamin McClure, 16, Des Moines
5) Hayley Hagan, 15, St. Charles
Ages 18 to 49 – Saturday, August 13
1) Lacey Partlow, 21, Stuart
2) Michelle Bell, 44, Indianola
3) Angie Lennie, 32, Ottumwa
4) Greg Valentine, 47, Des Moines
5) Shaynee Breshears, 19, Lamoni
Ages 50 and Over – Sunday, August 14
1) Bettie Swarts, 65, Indianola
2) Leon Johnson, 65, Mitchellville
3) Jim Christensen, 59, Newton
4) Weldon Gourd, 80, Des Moines
5) Don Sardeson, 63, Ankeny
The contest was part of “Rural Americana Olde Tyme Competitions” in Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall. A first prize of $5 and ribbons were awarded to each class.
“Nothing Compares” to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.
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