While some large-scale events lose steam and public support over time, the annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention is going strong as it enters its 52nd year.

Organizers say this year’s event may be the biggest ever, based on the caliber of talent booked to perform. Rhonda Vincent & The Rage performs at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. today, while Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder perform at 6 p.m. Saturday. The beginning competitions will follow Vincent, while the finals will wrap up following Skaggs’ performance.

Tickets are $15 per adult for today, $15 for Saturday or $20 for a weekend pass. Proceeds support student scholarships and a variety of university projects.

Organizer Rick Mould said the convention’s steering committee has worked over the last several years to consistently draw quality acts from the field of bluegrass and roots music. Headliners in recent years have included Daly & Vincent, Norman Blake and Riders in the Sky.

Mould said the opportunity to book Skaggs came about through Huntsville International Airport, which is one of this year’s sponsors. In talking with airport officials, Skaggs’ name got into the mix and he was booked for this year and the next.

“It all came together and we appreciate the airport for helping make that happen,” Mould said. “It’s an incredible lineup, and I don’t know of anywhere else you can get any kind of concert ticket for just $20.”

The lineup this year is so good, Mould said, organizers wonder how they’ll be able to top it next year.

Those who attend this year’s convention can expect to see some first-class pickers from those registered to compete, but a new category has also been added — Beginning Musician.

“We want young people involved (in the convention),” Mould said. “That’s the message we want to send.”

Another thing attendees can depend on this year is the weather. While some previous events have been hampered by sporadic downpours, this weekend is shaping up to be sunny and unseasonably warm. Mould advised patrons to dress comfortably.

“I don’t think anyone will need a jacket this weekend,” he said.

Economic impact

The Fiddlers Convention is consistently one of the county’s largest tourism draws. The draw is a little bigger this year because of the return of the Airstream camper rally.

More tourists means more sales tax for the city. More tickets sold equals more money for Athens State scholarships and campus improvements. The benefits to Athens State is what’s most important to Mould, but he acknowledged the positive financial impact the festival has on local restaurants, retailers and hotels.

Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said the “Airstreamers” participated in a Haunts Walk in downtown Athens Tuesday. He saw some shopping and dining in Athens the next day.

“In addition to revenue, the community benefits from the broad appeal Fiddlers has throughout the region and United States,” Marks said. “Visitors who have a great time at Fiddlers are apt to return to Athens and Limestone County for other events.”

Featured acts

Both Vincent and Skaggs are considered legends in the field of bluegrass. Skaggs has received four Grammys and eight Country Music Association awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 1985. He’s garnered 11 No. 1 country hits, four No. 1 country albums and a chart-topping bluegrass album.

Vincent, who has been praised by the Wall Street Journal as “the new queen of bluegrass,” is sister to Darrin Vincent of Daly & Vincent fame. The duo performed at last year’s Fiddlers Convention. She and her band, The Rage, have one a Grammy, 19 International Bluegrass Music Association awards and 89 Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America awards.

For more information about the Fiddlers Convention, visit http://www.tvotfc.org.