The “Granddaddy of Mid-South Fiddlers Conventions” will reach a milestone this year.

The annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention will celebrate its 40th anniversary when it opens its gates to thousands of old time music lovers on Oct. 6-7 at Athens State University. The musical competitions will be on the steps of historic Founders Hall. Musicians will be in competition for $11,870 in prize money to be awarded.

The convention has grown from its humble beginnings when it was conducted in the Athens State gymnasium. The interest grew dramatically over the years as the convention’s main events were moved to the steps of Founders Hall to accommodate the crowds. The TVOTFC continues to appeal to people from throughout the Southeast and beyond. Visitors from more than 30 states annually attend and the event has attracted people from Canada and Europe as well.

Gayle Davis, co-director of the convention’s steering committee, has been a part of 35 conventions.

“It’s hard to believe that the convention is celebrating 40 years,” said Davis. “The convention is a tradition that keeps getting better.”

The convention is sponsored by the Athens State University Foundation and the Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds from the convention have funded approximately $500,000 toward student scholarships and other university projects. In addition, the convention is working with the Athens-Limestone Clean Community to make the event an “Official Litter-Free Event.”

While the convention has grown significantly over the years, one thing hasn’t changed — it’s commitment to preserving old-time music.

“Old time music has a way of bonding people together,” said Davis. “Both young and old alike have found a common ground in playing together at the convention.”

Approximately 200 musicians are expected to participate in this year’s competition. Brandon Apple of Cordova, Tenn., was named “Fiddle Champion” at last year’s convention. He won the “fiddle off” which traditionally pits the top fiddlers from the junior and senior divisions. It was the fifth time for Apple to win the competition. He is eligible to compete for the title again this year.

This year’s fiddle champ will earn $1,000 in cash and will be awarded a new guitar.

The categories for competition include harmonica, mandolin, bluegrass banjo, dobro, dulcimer, old-time singing, beginning fiddler (age 10 and under), beginning fiddler (age 11-15), junior fiddler, senior fiddler, old-time banjo, classic old-time fiddler, finger-picking guitar, flat-picking guitar, bluegrass band, old-time band, and buck dancing (15 and under, and 16 and over). In addition, the traditional “jam sessions” will be ongoing throughout the weekend in the university’s courtyard and student union building.

Approximately 150 booths featuring old-fashioned arts and crafts will be on display.

An entertaining video of the history and progress of the convention, “October Weekend,” will be on sale for $10.

Contests begin Friday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. and resume on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 8 a.m.