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By Courtney Almeida

The 32nd Fiddlers’ Jamboree hits Grande Prairie

Mar 17, 2019 | 7:00 AM

The 32nd annual Fiddlers’ Jamboree will take place on April 7 at Grande Prairie Regional College in the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The musical performance is a country-western style event. 

“The Jamboree is a tradition in the community, and we love that it promotes cultural preservation of the old-time fiddle music and is performed by multiple generations,” says Robyn Sloboda, Programming and Events Coordinator for the City of Grande Prairie.

The 2019 Fiddlers’ Jamboree combines a display of both modern style and traditional style fiddling music. It will feature about 28 fiddlers, ranging in experience from novice to senior level.

“It started as just a really small event held in the kitchen of the Grande Prairie Museum back in 1987 and it was organized by volunteers for the first few years,” notes Sloboda. “But then it just started to grow and moved from the Museum to the Golden Age Centre and then eventually ended up at the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre.”

Fiddlers are set to take the stage from all around the Peace Country including Grande Prairie, Peace River, Nampa and Grovedale.

“We also have some out of towners,” said Sloboda. “So, people coming from British Columbia. We have a gentleman from Fort Nelson, we have a couple of people from Dawson Creek and then we even have a gentleman coming from the Northwest Territories.”

Although the registration period has now passed, any interested participants were encouraged to take part and get involved in the action if they signed up beforehand.

Spectators of all ages are welcome to enjoy an afternoon of music and dancing. A display of jigging will be included at the event as well.

“We also have a gentleman who is going to be performing jigging with the Red River Jig during the event,” says Sloboda. “Jigging is a combination of First Nations footwork and traditional Scottish, Irish and French-Canadian dance accompanied by the fiddle tune.”

Tickets are now available for sale at the Grande Prairie Museum at a cost of $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and youth (under 18).

Funds raised from the event will support future projects by the Grande Prairie Museum. 

by Courtney Almeida