Fiddlers Contest

Top Fiddler Claims Grand Champion Honors at Iowa State Fair

Kat Schmidt, 21, of Des Moines, fiddled her way to a Grand Championship title in the Fiddlers’ Contest judged August 11-13 at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Bettie Swarts of Indianola was named Runner-up Grand Champion Fiddler.

Qualifying contests for the Grand Championship were held Friday through Sunday. The winners of the 18-49 age division and 50 and older age group then advanced to the Grand Champion contest.

Additional results follow:

50 and Over

1. Bettie Swarts, Indianola
2. Mike Bergman, West Des Moines
3. Leon Johnson, Mitchellville
4. Bruce Gardner, Madrid
5. Jerry Hand, Ames

Ages 18 to 49

1. Kat Schmidt, Des Moines
2. Lacey Partlow, Papillion, NE
3. Ben McClure, Des Moines
4. Elaina Steenson, Des Moines
5. Sam Alexander, Indianola

Ages 13-17

1. Ania Naso, Iowa City
2. Olivia Vaughn, Ankeny

Ages 12 and Under

1. Afton Fincham, Ankeny
2. Eleanor Guerra, Altoona
3. Grace Malanaphy, Ankeny
4. Nolan Knupp, Minburn
5. Kamsyn Grow, Bondurant