The fiddle came over on the boat with the first settlers, generally with the Scot/Irish settlers.  Their jigs, hornpipes and reels melded with the music of Mexico, Africa and Europe, and eventually became known as the smooth, longbow technique for "Texas style" fiddlers.

Among the most influential fiddlers of Texas were the Franklins of Whitewright led by Major Lee Franklin and his nephew Louis Franklin.

The Franklin connection brings Texas fiddlers from all over the country to Whitewright for the Louis Franklin Championship on the Saturday of each Memorial Day weekend.  Last year there were fiddlers from Oklahoma, Louisiana, Idaho, Arkansas, and Texas.  At one time, we had eight Grand Champion fiddlers on stage at one time.

Jason Andrews, Louis's grandson, says that the family wanted to give the community something where people could come and listen to music for free, kind of a give back.  All wanted to honor Louis as well. 

Louis started the Texas Old Time Fiddlers Association.  At 86, though he doesn't play much anymore, he injoys the music and the day.

Fiddle Fest has 4 fiddle divisions, kids to 15, 16-29, 30-59, and 60-up.  There is a division for guitar accompanist, too.  The top two contestants in eash division make up the championship round.  Last year's winner took home $600.00.  Both male and female fiddlers from around the US compete.

Louis's oldest son, Larry Franklin, is a Grammy winner, ACM winner and musician in Nashville. Early on, he played with Asleep at the Wheel and Cooder Browne Band.

He comes back each year for the Fiddle Fest and is on stage at the Whitewright Civic Center with the "Once A Year Band".  He and Julie Johnson entertain and lead the folks through the day.

This is a family oriented event at its best.  Please come and enjoy the music.  You won't believe your ears! 

Whitewright Civic Center
10:00 a.m. till it's over
NO FEE
May 23, 2009

Whitewright, Texas is at the intersections of Hwys. 160/11/69.
From Dallas, take US 75/I 45 to Exit 45 toward Bonham.  Drive 13.9 miles, turn left/north and drive 8.9 miles.
Follow the signs to the Civic Center downtown.