Pickin’ N Fiddlin’ Returnin’

ROXBURY — Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor its 31st Annual Pickin’ N Fiddlin’ Contest on Saturday, July 9. The oldest annual bluegrass contest in the northwest hills of Connecticut will begin at 4:30 pm (contestant registration is 4 pm).

Performance categories include fiddle jam (not judged), old time fiddle, old time banjo, mandolin, trick and fancy fiddle, open guitar (finger and flat pickin’), bluegrass banjo, and band playoff (three or more musicians). Youth and Senior awards will be given in each category. There will be no electric instruments (except bass) allowed.

The festival will return to Hurlburt Town Park Pavilion, on Apple Lane; signs will be posted from Route 67.

Admission is $10 adults and youth; free for children ages 12 and under. Proceeds will benefit the Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund.

Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets; picnics are welcome, and refreshments will also be sold.

Organizers are asking that dogs be left at home.

There will be vendors, a playground area, and children’s arts and crafts tables. Call 860-354-5921 or visit www.roxburyct.com. Rain date will be July 10 if necessary, with a starting time at noon.