SAFFORD — Organizer Kevin DeRusha called this year’s Gila Valley Fiddle Festival “phenomenal” and said the talent taking part was unbelievable.
“You can’t explain it; you have to actually come here and see it to believe it,” he said. “You can try to explain it, but it doesn’t do it justice until you actually come here and listen and see it for yourself.”
Dozens of players took part in multiple competitions Saturday and Sunday, as well as enjoyed evening jam sessions, dances and special dinners.
Winners include:
Accompanist — Meryl Brown
Twin Fiddle — Ranelle Dietrich and Elie Barry
Vocalist — Brianna Morris
Little Britches — Ranelle Dietrich
Band Scramble — Flying Swallows Swallowing Flys
Grand Masters — Jess Barry
Trick and Fancy — Taylor Tudor
Show Your Stuff — Taylor Tudor
Adult 41-59 — Janene Ferris
Senior — Dave Brinkman
Band — Barry Family
Young at Heart — Arlene Peterson
Junior — Aspen Dietrich
Half Pint — Isley
Juniors — Maggie Cheitro
Young Adults — Maddy Dietrich
Open 15 and older — Jess Barry
Open 14 and younger — Brea Dietrich
