Tune the banjos and get the fiddles ready, it’s time again for the Old Time Fiddlers Contest, which will be held July 17 and 18 beside Rough River Dam in Falls of Rough.

The annual event will start at 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Rough River Dam State Resort Park Lodge at 9:30 a.m.

Admission to the contest is $6 on Friday and $10 on Saturday. Kids 10 and under are free of charge.

Rotary Club member Brent Miller said anyone who pays for a ticket to the contest can enter in any of the competition categories. Participants are only allowed to register the first day of the contest. Last year’s event included over 120 competitors.

“You are only allowed the day of the contest,” he explained. “If someone buys a ticket, they are welcome to participate. Last year we had one or two people out of the crowd decide to jig dance. They did not place, but they had a great time.”

There is no charge for parking. People can park on the grounds beside the state park lodge, and a trolley will shuttle visitors to and from the contest site.

A variety of vendors will be setup for the weekend. Miller advised that in the past there have been instruments up for sell, tapes and cds of artists, wood furniture, t-shirts and much more.

Louisville Pickin’ Post Magazine, as well as Grayson and Breckinridge County band boosters, are confirmed vendors so far.

“It takes 60 people not counting the boosters,” Miller said, “to pull this thing off every year. We appreciate everybody’s help. I encourage everyone to come out and support the locals.”

The Rotary Club is the main organizer for the event. Other sponsors include Buckles Travis and Sloan, Leitchfield Deposit Bank, Fort Knox Federal Credit Union, Bank of Caneyville, Wilson and Muir Bank, The Cecilian Bank and Bank of Clarkson.

Anyone who has questions or comments about this year’s contest can contact Miller by phone at 270-259-3578 or visit the festival’s website at www.kentuckyfiddler.com.