2026 Fiddlers' Contest

Fiddlers of All Ages Wow State Fair Crowds and Win Awards

More than 30 fiddlers from across the Midwest participated in three days of competition, ending with the crowning of the Grand Champion Fiddler, Sunday, August 16th, at the 2026 Iowa State Fair.

Grand Champion
Johnny Butten, Springview, NE

Runner Up Grand Champion
Megan Wright, Des Moines

Ages 50+
1st - Johnny Butten, Springview, NE
2nd - Michelle Bell, Ames
3rd - Bettie Swarts, Indianola

Ages 18 to 49
1st – Megan Wright, Des Moines
2nd - Ben McClure, Des Moines
3rd - Jennie Hargrove, Van Meter

Youth ages 13 to 17
1st - James Lee, Clive
2nd - Tallen Beebout, Columbia
3rd - Olivia Vaughn, Des Moines

Youth ages 12 and under
1st - Ellie Ryon, Carlisle
2nd - Johnny Young, Boone
3rd - Isla Bowers, Des Moines

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The Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country and the single largest event in the state. The Fair began over 170 years ago and is now considered one of the best events in the nation, attracting more than one million Fairgoers every year from all over the world. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University, just off the interstate and minutes from Downtown Des Moines. Fair Spirit, August 13-23, 2026. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.