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HALLETTSVILLE – Start with a little jam, add a little Cajun spice, bring in some barbecue, then finish it off with some of the best fiddle players in the world, and you’ve got the recipe for the 38th annual Texas State Championship Fiddlers Frolics.

The event culminates with Sunday’s Texas State Championship Fiddle Contest at 12:30 p.m. followed by the Cliff and Velda Fryer Championship Playoff at 5 p.m. The winner earns a $1,500 prize and the title of 2008 Texas State Champion Fiddler.

The jam is Thursday’s jam session where everyone is invited to bring fiddle, guitars and other instruments and join in the fun. There is no charge to attend the jam.

The Cajun spice is Friday night’s Cajun Fun Night. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with crawfish, gumbo and red beans and rice available. At 9:30 p.m., Fiddlin’ Frenchie Burke takes the stage. Between the food and Burke, the senior division fiddle contest for those 65 and over begins at 6:30 p.m. The popular Anything Goes Fiddle Contest, featuring tricks and other displays of artistry, starts at 8 p.m.

Events on Saturday begin at 9 a.m. with the Forest Craig Freshman Division fiddle contest for those players 15 and under. The winner earns a handmade fiddle crafted and donated by award winning fiddle maker Craig. There is also a Pee Wee division for fiddlers 10 and under. At 12:30 p.m., the Gone to Texas fiddle competition begins with musicians from outside the state of Texas. The winner takes home $1,400.

Outdoor activities on Saturday include the Texas Songwriters’Serenade at 10 a.m. featuring the 15 finalists performing their songs. At 1 p.m., Wilfred Chevis and his Cajun/Zydeco music will take to the stage. The sausage cook-off judging begins at 3:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., legendary Pete Mayes and the Texas House Rockers will perform.

Another highlight Saturday is an 8:30 p.m. dance featuring members of the Ace in the Hole Band.

Sunday is another busy day.

At 9:30 a.m., the Guitar Accompanist Contest will award prizes to the top 10 contestants. At 10:30 a.m., Texas State Champion Ricky Turpin and guitarist Rex Gillentine will be inducted into the Texas Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame.

Outside, Patrick Murphy and Murphy’s Law will perform at 1 p.m. The Texas State Championship Barbecue Cook-off judging begins at 1 p.m. Categories include chicken breasts, pork ribs, brisket and sauce.

Tickets are $5 for Friday night and $7 on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday night’s dance is $10. Weekend passes are available for $25.

Outside entertainment is free. Children 12 and under are admitted free to all the events which take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall on U.S. Highway 77. A carnival and arts and crafts show will also be available.

Sonny Long is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact him at 361-580-6585 or slong@vicad.com.

Online

For more information on the 38th annual Texas State Championship Fiddlers Frolics, go to www.fiddlersfrolics.com.