Fiddlers Contest

Top Fiddlers Win Honors at State Fair

The best fiddlers from across the Midwest played their way to greatness in the Fiddlers’ Contest held over three days beginning Friday, August 9, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Holly Reyner of Burlington as named Fiddle Grand Champion. Kevin Allshouse of Des Moines earned Runner-Up Grand Champion honors.

James Lee of Clive won the Youth Champion title.

Complete results follow:

Fiddle age 50 and over

1) Kevin Allshouse, Des Moines

20 Bettie Swarts, Indianola

3) Mike Bergeman, West Des Moines

Fiddle age 18 to 49

1) Holly Reyner, Burlington

2) Ben McClure, Des Moines

3) Anna Anderson, Holland, MI

Fiddle age 13 to 17

1) Abby Leatherman, Shiloh, IL

2) Ava Vaughn, Des Moines

3) Reese Roth, Wayland

Fiddle age 12 and under

1) James Lee, Clive

2) Ellie Ryan, Carlisle

3) Kamsyn Grow, Bondurant

The contest was part of “Rural Americana Olde Tyme Competitions” in Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall.