Break out your stomping’ shoes because it’s almost time for the 48th annual Granite Quarry Civitan Fiddler’s Convention.
This year’s event will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4 at East Rowan Hight School, 175 St. Luke Church Road.
Registration to perform runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Contestants will compete for $1700 in cash prizes, and trophies and rosettes will be awarded to the best bands, fiddler, banjo picker guitarist, mandolin player, bass player, dobro and vocal.
There will also be rosettes for the most promising talent ages 11 and under as well as ages 12-16. The most promising talent under 16 competition will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by band and individual over 16 competition.
Bands, vocals and most promising talent interested in participating may call 704-633-5940 or 704-267-9439 for more information.

Don Livengood, one of the event organizers and 55-year member of the Civitan Club, says that the convention typically draws several hundred people of all different ages and backgrounds. He says he’s glad “young people have embraced the tradition of this event.”
In a special segment of the show, Carrie Ezelle Webster of Faith will be honored for her outstanding dedication in the field of Ole Time and Bluegrass music.
Carrie began playing the violin at the age of 8 by first learning classical music. After receiving her bachelor of music from the UNC School of the Arts, she decided to make a change to country music, traveling to New Zealand and Australia.
After a refreshing couple of years doing farm work “Down Under”, she moved back to Rowan County and started teaching bluegrass fiddle in classes, schools and her private studio.
In 2007 she helped form Dry Run Bluegrass Band and the group performed at venues and festivals around the state. Carrie has performed with the Salisbury Symphony and has won numerous awards at fiddlers’ conventions including Champion Fiddler and the Granite Quarry Civitan Fiddlers’ Convention. More recently, she toured the Bahamas and all over the US performing with the all-female bluegrass group Sweet Potato Pie.
She is now focusing on teaching music and has plans to open a folk school in Salisbury.

Admission to the festival is $8 for adults; under 12 get in free with paying adult. BBQ chicken, hambrugers, hotdogs and homemade desserts will be available from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. until. Proceeds from the convention will go to Civitan projects including Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Homes, children and adults with special needs, the Victory Junction Gang Camp, Civitan International Research Center, scholarships, local schools and community activities.
WANT TO GO?
What: 48th annual Granite Quarry Civitan Fiddlers’ Convention
When: Saturday, Oct. 4; registration 4:30 p.m., music 6:30
Where: East Rowan High School, Granite Quarry
How much: $8 for adults. Under 12 free with paying adult
Contact: 704-633-5940 or 704-267-9439