Ringgold’s 1890s Days Old Time Fiddle Convention continues a tradition

1890sDayFiddleoff2011:
Johnny Ray Watts (third from right) of Lineville, Ala. won the Randall Franks Trophy at the 1890s Days Old Time Fiddle Convention May 28. In the fiddle off, he faced Tori Huntley, of Loretto, Tenn., from 16-21 age category, who placed second, and Mack Snoderly of Clyde, N.C. winner of the 51 and up category, who placed third. Fiddle off contestants visit with Franks (left) during the presentation. (Photo by Joe Turner)

Ringgold’s 1890s Days Old Time Fiddle Convention continues a tradition

Ninety plus fiddlers, guitarists, mandolinists, bands and cloggers from states across the south descended on Ringgold, Ga. May 28 to compete in the 1890s Days Jamboree Old Time Fiddlers Convention. The event occurred despite the tornado that ripped through the community a month earlier.
Fiddlers of all ages rosined up their bows and cloggers kicked up their heels to win nearly $7,000 in prize money on the Northwest Georgia Bank stage at the historic Catoosa County Courthouse.
“We welcomed many new contestants in all categories,” said contest organizer Lewis Taylor. “There was some great entertainment for our audiences to enjoy throughout the day.”
Taylor is a champion harmonica player winning titles in several states and numerous contests.
Many attendees donated towards the tornado rebuilding effort for the uninsured and underinsured through the Catoosa Organization Acting in Disaster, P.O. Box 53, Ringgold, Ga. 30736 or www.HelpRinggold.com. The tornado hit over 600 homes in the community.
Johnny Ray Watts of Lineville, Ala. won the Randall Franks Trophy at the 1890s Days Jamboree on May 28. Watts won his 22-50-age category for the chance to compete for the trophy.
In the fiddle off, he faced Tori Huntley, from 16-21 age category, of Loretto, Tenn., who placed second, and Mack Snoderly of Clyde, N.C., winner of the 51 and up category, who placed third.
The top prize is named in honor of Appalachian Ambassador of the Fiddle Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night.” He cheered the top three competitors on in their bid to win the Randall Franks Trophy and the $500 prize while co-hosting the finals with event emcee Kevin Mudd. He then presented the winners on the main stage.
Once holding the title of Georgia State Bluegrass Champion, the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame inductee is a former member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys, Jim and Jesse’s Virginia Boys and numerous other groups who as a solo performer often shared his talents for the Grand Ole Opry. Franks co-hosts the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in Nashville each year.
“I was enthused to see all the young people carrying on the Appalachian fiddle and dance traditions,” he said.
The team dance competition was won by Rocky Top Revue of Franklin, Tenn. with Mainstage Fusion of Greenbriar, Tenn.taking second place and Mainstream Explosion of Greenbriar, Tenn. winning third.
In the bluegrass band competition A Step Ahead of Greenbriar, Tenn. won first place with Spatial Effects of Dalton, Ga. taking second, Out of the Blue won third, Cherokee Cut-ups earned fourth and High Point Bluegrass received fifth.
Jonathan Goins of Tunnel Hill, Ga. placed second in the mandolin contest.
The next 1890s Days Jamboree Old Time Fiddlers Convention will be Memorial Day weekend Saturday 2012 in Ringgold, Ga. For more information, visit www.cityofringgold.com.


2011 1890s Days Jamboree Old Time Fiddle Convention winners:
First, second and third places

Fiddlers:
Randall Franks Trophy Fiddle Off:
Johnny Ray Watts Lineville, Ala.
Tori Huntley Loretto, Tenn.
Mack Snoderly Clyde, NC

Ages 10 and under:
Caleb Bryant of Northport, Ala.,
Matthew Lin of Lexington, Ky.,
Ivy Phillips of Chapmansboro, Tenn.

Ages 11-15:
Andrew Lin of Lexington, Ky.
Emma DeJarnette of Snellville, Ga.
Lauren Clardy Flintville, Tenn.

Ages 16-21:
Tori Huntley Loretto, Tenn.
Aerin DeJarnette of Snellville, Ga.
Samantha Cunningham Versailles, Ky.

Ages 22-50:
Johnny Ray Watts Lineville, Ala.
Kerry Varble of Toledo, Ohio
Patrick Kilgore Oakman, Ala.

Ages 51 and up:
Mack Snoderly Clyde, NC
Chuck Reeves of Oakman, Ala.
Rickey Kilgore Oakman, Ala.

Bluegrass Band:
A Step Ahead of Greenbriar, Tenn.
Spatial Effects Dalton, Ga.
Out of the Blue
Cherokee Cut-ups
High Point Bluegrass

Guitarists:
Rob Pearcy of Smyrna, Tenn.
Bobby Nobley LaGrange, Ga.
Roy Curry of Hixson, Tenn.

Best Backup Guitarist:
Rob Pearcy of Smyrna, Tenn.

Mandolinists:
Bobby Nobley of LaGrange, Ga.
Jonathan Goins of Tunnel Hill, Ga.
Rob Pearcy of Smyrna, Tenn.

Cloggers:
10 and under:
Ivy Phillips of Chapmansboro, Tenn.
Brayden Chunn Nashville, Tenn.
Elise Cramer Lawrenceville, Ga.

Ages 11-20:
Kelly Eicher of Allensville, Ky.
Kris Jamison Waverly, Tenn.
Shawn Jones Ryals, Tenn.

Ages 21-30:
Chris Stewart Bon Aqua, Tenn.
Jennifer Campbell of White Bluff, Tenn.

Ages 31 and up:
Cheryl Chunn Greenbriar, Tenn.
Tommy Jackson of Franklin, Tenn.
Luis Blackburn Nashville, Tenn.

Clogging Team:
Rocky Top Revue Franklin, Tenn.
Mainstage Fusion Greenbriar, Tenn.
Mainstream Explosion Greenbriar, Tenn.