Carved out in southeastern Saskatchewan is a fiddling community, which is traced back to Fred Easton through fiddle instructor Michele Amy.
Fiddling enthusiasts came together on Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m. in Carlyle Memorial Hall to enjoy the annual fiddling showcase including Amy's students, but also her "grand-students" who are taught by some of Amy's advanced students.
A year of dedication and practice coalesced in a showing of great talent with 50 students from Arcola, Antler, Bellegard, Carlyle, Estevan, Lampman, Langbank, Manor, Osage, Oxbow, Redvers, and Stoughton. Although a few were unable to attend it was impressive to watch as students adapted to the change.
The afternoon began the same way it ended, with all of the fiddlers onstage performing songs together. From the youngest to the oldest, they all stood together in front of the crowd to perform.
Following the introduction came the beginner adults with novice assistants, with groups and individuals then taking to the stage in front of the packed house.
Feet stomped to the beat and as bows were drawn across strings, the crowd smiled as they watched each fiddler perform.
In addition to the typical fiddling, a short play involving Jadah Walbaum and Shayda King was performed prior to their playing. An original, created by the two youth, brought smiles and laughter to the crowd.
First year players, as is tradition when playing in Michele Amy's fiddling showcase, took to the stage in the Fiddle Circus. With students playing while upside down or with bows between their legs in a pretzel the crowd was thoroughly entertained.
All funds raised from the afternoon was put towards a Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party (KLKP) bursary fund to help fiddlers have better access to attending the camp. Applications for KLKP are now being accepted and bursary opportunities are available upon registering to give families a hand up if needed.
