Eighteen musicians ages 15 to 66 competed in the Banjo, Guitar and Mandolin contests judged Saturday and Sunday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.
Leon Johnson, 66, of Mitchellville took first place in the Banjo Contest. Katie Upton, 20, of Des Moines placed second, while Matt Hildreth, 27, of Larchwood earned third place.
In the Guitar contest, Fred Coy, 66, of Ames took first place, while second place went to Bryan Conley, 29, of Urbandale. Steve Hurst, 61, of Boone captured third.
Hurst also earned first place in the Mandolin contest. Andrew Conley, 25, of Urbandale placed second, and Bryan Conley took third.
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 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. 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.
