Halletsville ‘Fiddlers’ Frolics’ Starts Today

The 43rd annual Texas State Championship Fiddlers' Frolics returns to Hallettsville starting today with live entertainment, food and, of course, some great fiddlin'. In addition, Victoria's Wade Stockton is being inducted into the Texas Fiddlers Hall of Fame during a Sunday ceremony.

It all takes place at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 321 U.S. Highway 77. "We anticipate somewhere around 100 participants, including accompanists," Stuart Fryer, event co-chairman, told the Victoria Advocate. "We know that contestants from Oregon, Idaho and Minnesota are already in Texas in anticipation of the event, as are many others from states in between."

Defending champion Dennis Ludiker, of Austin, is expected to return to defend his Texas State Championship title at 1 p.m. Sunday. The championship playoff will follow at 5 p.m. The out-of-state fiddlers will take part in the Gone To Texas competition at 1 p.m. Saturday. Other competitions include the Anything Goes contest at 6 p.m. Friday, the Freshman Division at 9 a.m. Saturday, the Accompanist Contest at 9 a.m. Sunday and the Senior Division at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

If all the fiddling around isn't enough, throw in Wade Landry's Swingin' Cajun Style show from Branson, Mo., at 9 p.m. Friday and other live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Cajun Fun Night starts at 5 p.m. Friday with Cajun food available, then taste samples from the Texas State Championship Sausage Cook-off on Saturday and the Texas State Championship Barbecue Cook-off on Sunday. Arts and crafts will be available for sale throughout the weekend.