Little has been written about the fiddle contest or convention, one of America's oldest folk institutions. Such events, varying in magnitude, have been held throughout the United States and Canada--in small hamlet and large city alike--for at least the greater part of a century. Usually, but not always, the fiddlers convention features a tournament, or tournaments, in which prizes and awards for various events are awarded to those judged to be the best of their type. Many of these assemblies have enjoyed a long history, providing for the annual selection of a local, state, or regional champion. Contests have also been staged for benefits, ...