The National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Inc. mission statement begins with “The Corporation is organized for the charitable and educational purposes of fostering and promoting oldtime and traditional fiddling and related arts…”

Today, the NOTF, Inc. had an opportunity to support this mission by hosting the Osher Society of Boise State University. (Go Broncos!) This group of perpetual students (you must be 55 years or older to participate) held a class at the NOTF, Inc. headquarters in the beautiful historic Slocum Hall in Weiser, Idaho. The class focused on oldtime fiddling and traditional music as well as learning how to make oldtime instruments. The halls were filled with fun, fiddling, laughter, and yes, a little bit of noise, as each participant learned something “new” from history.

What better place to hold such a daylong class? After all, Weiser is the Fiddle Capitol of the World and hosts and boasts I might add that we are the “Grand Daddy” of fiddle contests as well. So it was only fitting that these folks took the beautiful 75 mile drive from Boise, Idaho to the home of the National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest & Festival. Many of these folks have never been to the fiddle contest before. But after having a taste of this truly American experience, they said they’d most certainly come back June 21-26. I think their heartstrings or fiddle strings are here to stay.

In a future blog entry, I’ll talk a little bit about the great educational opportunity that the NOTF, Inc., The Weiser School District and 4-H has been offering to 1st through 3rd graders. Hint…They call themselves the “Squeaky Strings” and they are adorable.

Until next time,

Karen Penner
Executive Director
NOTF, Inc.

It is so heartwarming to see the response from the community of Weiser and various fiddler's step up and join "Friends of the Fiddle". It has been a challenging year due to the economic climate and we at the National Oldtime Fiddlers' Inc. have felt the pinch. We understand that businesses are hurting in our community as reflected in our drop in sponsorship dollars. However, we are heatened by the individuals who know how important this event is to our town.