The 61st Annual Peabody Hale Fiddle Contest and Music Festival is scheduled for July 27, 2024 in the Crawford City Park, but events stretch from Friday evening to Sunday morning.
The Crawford American Legion will host a community-wide barbecue in the park on Friday, July 26 from 5-7 p.m. The only cost is a free-will donation.
The Saturday fiddle contest and music festival kicks off with registration at 9 a.m. The fiddle and miscellaneous instrument contest starts at 10 a.m. with the vocal contest to begin at the end of the fiddle and miscellaneous contest, or around 1 p.m.
Saturday’s events at the park include horseshoes, kids’ activities, a quilt and craft display, food and other vendors. White River runs through the park, which features playground equipment and lots of mature shade trees. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic or take advantage of the concessions available on-site or Crawford’s restaurants.
“This is a beautiful venue and the talented musicians in the area bring high quality musical entertainment to this treasured community tradition,” said Roger Campbell, Crawford Area Chamber of Commerce president. “With Fort Robinson just 3 miles away and the whole Nebraska panhandle rich in Western history, the area offers visitors lots of opportunities for unique family experiences, plus a relaxing day in the park.”
Everyone is invited to a jam session and open mic in downtown Crawford on Saturday evening starting at 7 p.m. The music will be outdoors on 2nd Street and is family-friendly. Food and drink will be available from the bars and restaurants downtown. Alcohol can be enjoyed outdoors at the event with the $5 purchase of a reusable cup, and filled for an additional cost from the bars on 2nd Street. Proceeds will support the fiddle contest and music festival in the future. No outside alcohol is allowed at any of the events.
A community church service will be Sunday, July 28 at 10:30 a.m. in the park with a potluck to follow. All are welcome.
There is no cost to attend any of the events, just opportunities for free-will donations to support the Peabody Hale Fiddle Contest and Music Festival in the future.
“The community of Crawford has so many beautiful, historic features and so much talent that we want to share it with anyone who wants to come visit,” Campbell said. “The Peabody Hale Fiddle Contest and Music Festival is just one time-honored event we love to host each year.”
To learn more, including contest rules, follow Peabody Hale Fiddle Contest on Facebook.