September brings the haunting melodies of traditional fiddle music to the pine-covered mountains surrounding Payson as Arizona’s most talented musicians gather for one of the Southwest’s premier acoustic music celebrations. The Arizona State Championship Old Time Fiddlers Contest represents far more than a musical competition—it serves as a living repository of American folk traditions, showcasing musical styles and techniques that have been passed down through generations of musicians who understand that true artistry comes from both technical skill and deep emotional connection to the music. Set in the scenic beauty of the Mogollon Rim country, this annual event attracts fiddlers from across Arizona and beyond, creating a weekend-long celebration of acoustic music that honors the past while inspiring future generations of traditional musicians.
For over five decades, Payson has served as the proud host of Arizona’s state fiddling championship, building a reputation that extends far beyond state boundaries to attract musicians and music lovers from throughout the Southwest. The event’s significance extends beyond state-level competition, as winners earn the right to compete at the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest in Weiser, Idaho, widely regarded as the pinnacle of traditional fiddling competition in North America. This pathway to national competition ensures that Arizona’s contest attracts serious musicians who bring exceptional skill levels and passionate dedication to preserving and advancing traditional American music forms. The contest’s longevity and continued growth demonstrate the enduring appeal of acoustic music traditions in an increasingly digital world.
The contest encompasses multiple age divisions that reflect the tradition’s vitality across generational lines, from young children just beginning their musical journeys to senior musicians who have spent decades perfecting their craft. The Small Fry division (ages 6 and under) often provides the most heartwarming moments of the weekend, as tiny musicians demonstrate remarkable talent while embodying the joy and innocence that keeps musical traditions alive. The junior divisions showcase developing talent and competitive spirit, while adult and senior categories feature musicians at the peak of their abilities competing for state championship honors. This comprehensive age structure ensures that the contest serves both competitive and educational purposes, inspiring young musicians while celebrating the achievements of established performers.
The weekend’s programming extends well beyond formal competition to include jam sessions, workshops, and concerts that create opportunities for musicians and audience members to engage with traditional music in various formats. Gospel hours provide spiritual dimensions to the musical celebration, while evening concerts feature award-winning performers in more relaxed settings that emphasize entertainment over competition. The food truck festival component attracts families who appreciate quality food alongside quality music, creating a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both serious music enthusiasts and casual visitors seeking family-friendly entertainment in beautiful natural surroundings.
📅 Event Details:
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Dates: September 4-6, 2025 (Friday through Sunday)
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Location: Payson Event Center, 1000 W. Country Club Drive, Payson, AZ 85541
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Event Name: J.W. & Vertielee Floyd Memorial Arizona State Fiddling Championship
🎼 Competition Categories:
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Small Fry (6 and under)
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Junior (8-12 years)
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Junior-Junior (13-17 years)
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Young Adult (18-35 years)
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Adult (36-59 years)
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Senior (60 and above)
📞 Contact Information:
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Website: www.arizonaoldtimefiddlers.org
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Registration: Opens summer 2025
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General Information: Available through Arizona Old Time Fiddlers Association
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Local Contact: Payson Parks and Recreation Department
🎫 Admission & Policies:
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Adults: $5 admission
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Children 12 & Under: FREE
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Alcohol Policy: Strictly prohibited – enforced by staff and law enforcement
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Smoking Policy: Not allowed at Payson Event Center
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Pet Policy: Well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome
🎪 Featured Programming:
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State championship fiddling competition in all age divisions
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Jam sessions throughout the weekend
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Gospel hour on Sunday (free to all attendees)
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Evening concerts featuring award-winning performers
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Food truck festival with diverse culinary offerings
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Vendor areas with musical instruments and crafts
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Children’s music workshops and educational activities
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Camping available for nominal fee
🏆 Competition Details:
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Winners in each division qualify for National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest in Weiser, Idaho
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Competition features traditional “old-time” and acoustic music styles
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Multiple rounds of competition leading to championship finals
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Professional judging with established criteria
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Awards ceremony recognizing top performers in each category
🍴 Food & Vendors:
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Professional food truck festival with diverse options
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No outside food or beverages allowed
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Craft vendors featuring musical instruments and traditional crafts
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Local artisans showcasing regional specialties
The contest’s educational mission extends beyond competition to include workshops and demonstrations that preserve and transmit traditional playing techniques, musical styles, and historical knowledge about American folk music traditions. Master classes led by accomplished musicians provide opportunities for developing players to learn from recognized experts, while informal jam sessions create environments where musical knowledge passes naturally between generations. These educational components ensure that the contest serves its larger mission of preserving cultural traditions while fostering continued innovation within traditional frameworks.
Payson’s location in Arizona’s high country provides ideal conditions for outdoor musical events, with September temperatures that are comfortable for extended outdoor activities and natural acoustics enhanced by the surrounding pine forests. The Payson Event Center’s facilities accommodate both performers and large audiences while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that characterizes successful traditional music events. The town’s commitment to hosting this annual celebration reflects its recognition of the event’s cultural significance and economic benefits for the local tourism industry.
The contest attracts musical families who often attend together, creating multigenerational experiences that strengthen family bonds while celebrating shared musical interests. Many participants return year after year, developing friendships and musical relationships that extend beyond the competition weekend to include regional jam sessions, collaborative performances, and mentoring relationships that support the development of young musicians. This community-building aspect distinguishes the contest from purely competitive events, creating lasting value for participants that extends far beyond prizes and recognition.
The event’s acoustic music celebration embraces diverse traditional styles including bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, and other genres that reflect America’s rich musical heritage. This stylistic diversity ensures that performers can express their individual musical personalities while competing within traditional frameworks that honor historical precedents. The contest’s judging criteria balance technical proficiency with musical expression and authenticity, encouraging innovation within traditional bounds while maintaining standards that preserve the integrity of historical styles.
The economic impact of the Arizona State Championship Old Time Fiddlers Contest extends throughout the Payson area, bringing visitors who often extend their stays to explore the region’s natural attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Rim Country’s spectacular scenery, hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and historic sites provide additional reasons for visitors to plan extended trips that benefit local businesses and demonstrate the economic value of cultural tourism. Many attendees develop lasting connections to the area that result in repeat visits and recommendations to other music enthusiasts.
The Arizona State Championship Old Time Fiddlers Contest represents a remarkable celebration of American musical traditions in one of the Southwest’s most beautiful natural settings. This weekend-long event combines serious musical competition with family-friendly entertainment, educational programming, and community celebration in ways that honor the past while inspiring future generations of traditional musicians. The contest’s continued success over more than five decades demonstrates the enduring appeal of acoustic music traditions and the importance of events that preserve cultural heritage while providing contemporary audiences with authentic artistic experiences. For music lovers seeking to experience the finest in traditional American fiddle music, this Payson celebration offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness musical excellence while supporting the preservation of cultural traditions that define America’s artistic heritage.
