By Joseph M. Morgan

joseph@southerntorch.com

More than 500 music fans are expected to attend the 108th anniversary of the DeKalb County Fiddlers' Convention this weekend hosted by the Big Wills Arts Council (BWAC) on Saturday at the Rotary Pavilion In downtown Fort Payne.

Local musician and arts enthusiast Russell Gulley is said to have been responsible for reviving the event about 20 years ago, helping to bring it back to its former glory as one of the largest, most prestigious fiddle competitions in the Southeast.

Last year’s event drew more than 400 music fans and even more are expected to attend the event this year.

Registration starts at 11 a.m. and the first event begins at noon. Last year the event ran until after 6 p.m. showcasing 12 categories made up of more than 50 talented contestants who competed for the more than $3,500 in prize money and trophies.

Contestants will compete in the following categories: Dobro Division, Pee Wee Fiddler Division, Mandolin Division, Ol’ Time Banjo Division, Jr. Fiddler Division, Guitar Division, Upright Bass Division, Bluegrass Banjo Division, Sr. Fiddler Division, Ol’ Time Fiddler Division, Bluegrass Band Division and Ol’ Time Band Division.

"We’re looking forward to another great year,” said BWAC Director Russell Gulley. “At one time the DeKalb County Fiddlers’ Convention was one of the largest, most widely attended events of its type in the tri-state area and throughout the Southeast. We are working to restore the event to its former glory and I feel like each year we get closer and closer.”