By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
On Wednesday, September 30, an “especially special” Fiddlers Convention is going to kick off once again on the campus of Athens State University. “Fiddlers’” always serves as the official start to the fall festival season in Athens-Limestone County, and this year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Delmore Brothers’ first competitive appearance here in Athens. Yes, we had a Fiddlers’ Convention here a century ago, and then for several decades it went by the wayside. Then, in 1967 it “fired back up” and has been going strong ever since.
Recently, I met with Brandy Conway, who is the Executive Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations at Athens State University, and her particular joy about this year’s festivities was contagious. “We are having to begin competitions earlier because we have so many contestants,” she said. All the wonderful things that “make Fiddlers Fiddlers’” are in place — the music making workshops in Kares Library that are free to the public and designed for every skill level; the Jerry McGlocklin music shop in Sandridge Ballroom where you can purchase all manner of instruments; the vendors and artisans, and my most favorite, the spontaneous formation of groups that sing and play all over the campus.
“A Century of Strings, Stories and Songs” is the theme of Fiddlers 2026, and is also the title of a special tribute album of all things Delmore. The release date for the album is October 1, and it will be available on vinyl, CD and USB. In addition, the Athens State University Nazaretian Alumni Welcome Center will display an exhibit of the Delmore Brothers’ memorabilia that was donated in 2008 by Debby Delmore, the youngest daughter of Alton Delmore. The exhibit will feature Alton’s typewriter, glimpses into their autobiography, which is entitled, Truth Is Stranger Than Publicity, as well as a “time tour” of the brothers’ Grand Ole Opry career along with numerous awards. The exhibit opens on September 21 and will continue through the first of the new year. Regarding the Delmore Brothers, Bob Dylan once said, “… I really loved them! I think they’ve influenced every harmony I’ve ever tried to sing.”
It is not uncommon for Fiddlers to draw 15,000 attendees from all over America and beyond, along with upwards of 200 contestants. The chances are good that this year there will be considerably more. There is more than $47,000 in prize money available, and the purpose of the convention is to raise money for student needs at Athens State University.
Fiddlers could not exist if it were not for the sponsors. This year’s presenting sponsor is Goodwyn Mills Cawood. Other sponsors are Pettus Plumbing and Piping, , Fly HSV, Redstone Federal Credit Union, TriGreen Equipment, Bryant Bank, Aetos Systems, Nanny’s Old Fashion Lemonade, Edward Jones – Micah Joy, Pepsi, Capshaw RV, TOC, Marin & Cobey, Trustmark Bank, and Bank Independent. In addition, WHNT is going to be broadcasting onsite.
Of course, there will be food trucks in abundance, and if you need assistance to get from the parking lot up the hill to Founders’ Hall, once again volunteers will take you there in comfy golf carts. If you are an Airstreamer, your crew is welcome as well as RV campers. There are no power or sanitation facilities available on the Hobbs street space. As always, because this is Athens, AL, you can bring your lawn chair ahead of time and stake out your space on the grounds. Your chair will still be there.
The line-up of professional performances is as follows:
· Wednesday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m.- FREE FREE FREE Gospel concert featuring Larry Sparks
· Thursday, October 1 at 7 p.m.- Mike Compton & Andy Todd will perform a Delmore Brothers tribute
· Thursday, October 1 at 8 p.m.- Dale Ann Bradley
· Friday, October 2 at 6 p.m.- The Isaacs
· Saturday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m.- The Del McCoury Band
Ticket prices are $20 per adult per day, with the 3-day pass is $30. Children under 12 are free with a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased at www.athensfiddlers.org. You do NOT want to miss this most anticipated celebration!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
