The location for Kentucky’s Official State Championship Old-Time Fiddler’s Contest may have changed, but the music promises to bigger and better than ever.

This year’s contest is set for July 15 and 16 at Rough River State Resort Park.

The Grayson County Rotary Club is the title sponsor for the event. Each year club volunteer’s help with putting on the contest.

Fiddler’s Contest President Brent Miller talked about the new spot for fiddling music.

“We had to change the location because the Corps of Engineers closed the tail water area for the summer due to flood damage,” Miller said. “The quickest fix for this year was to move the contest to the grounds of Rough River State Park. It will be over above the beach area. People already have had reservations at the park for so many years. This seemed like the easiest fix. We will still trolleys like we always have. The employees at the state park have been really good to work with in helping us in our time of need.”

Over $5,000 in prize money is up for grabs during this year’s contest.

Friday’s competitions will begin at 7 p.m. and Saturday’s competitions will start at 10 a.m.

Categories for the contest include: harmonica, beginner open, and bluegrass banjo, flattop guitar, bluegrass band, old time banjo, pee wee fiddler (10 and under), beginner fiddler (11-15), dulcimer, sr. fiddler (60 and over), old time string band, Jr. fiddler (35 and under), mandolin, intermediate fiddler (36-59), jig dancing, division I, jig dancing, division II, back-up musician of the year and the fiddle off.

“In case of rain, the contest will be moved inside the lodge,” Miller explained. “We will also have vendors selling different items, and concession stands set up. This year any honorable mention type will be Jim Holloway. He was a long-time Rotary member and took care of all of the tractors and wagons. He got all of that lined up. Jim also drove the tractor for many years.”

For more information on the contest visit www.kyfiddler.com.

“People come from Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Indiana and Illinois to compete,” Miller said. “They take this competition very seriously. We even had a couple come in one time from Europe to play. The contest is all about good old-time fiddle music, bluegrass categories and jig dancing. We want to emphasize the importance of providing a family environment with good music.”