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Whitewright Fiddle Fest results
By Allen Rich
May 26, 2009

Whitewright, Texas -- The Whitewright Civic Center was packed on Saturday to carry on the legacy of the Franklin family and listen to some of the region's finest old-time Texas breakdown fiddlers compete for the coveted Louis Franklin Championship.

Louis Franklin and his uncle, Major Lee Franklin, two of the most influential Texas fiddlers, have both been inducted in the Texas Fiddlers' Hall of Fame.  Louis was born in Windom and graduated from Bells High School, but he is a longtime resident of Whitewright. 

Five years ago this annual Fiddle Fest began as a popular community event that also honors the legacy of Louis Franklin, a seven-time winner of the World Champion Fiddle Contest in Crockett, Texas.

After an exciting day of fast-paced competitive fiddling, the 2009 Louis Franklin Championship trophy was awarded to Spavinaw, Oklahoma native Bubba Hopkins.

In addition, a special award was presented to a Whitewright businesswoman that has been an ardent supporter of the Fiddle Fest since its beginning.  The Louise Franklin Memorial Award was given to Jean Tykoski.

2009 Fiddle Fest results

60+
1.  Tom Fonville - Flint, Texas
2.  E. J. Hopkins - Porter, Texas
3.  John Balevins - Van, TX
4.  Virginia Manes - Valley View, TX

0 - 15 years
1.  Maleika Nugent - Burleson, TX - 15 years
2.  Faith Nugent - Burleson, TX - 13 years
3.  Karissa Nugent - Burleson, TX - 12 years
4.  Coby Carter - Portales, NM - 13 years
5.  Noelle Nugent - Burleson, TX - 10 years

16 - 29 years
1.  Bubba Hopkins - Spavinaw, OK
2.  Jason Andrews - Whitewright, TX
3.  Cody Marriott - Cleburne, TX
4.  Jess Meador - Decatur, TX
5.  Kyle Russell - Alvaredo, TX
6.  Matt Wills - Joshua, TX

30 - 59 years
1.  Gordon Townsend - Point Blank, TX
2.  Junior Marriott - Ava, MO
3.  Wade Stockton - Mission Valley, TX
4.  Julie Amundson - Austin, TX
5.  Mark Seale - Hempstead, TX
6.  Wayne Head - Hugo, OK

Accompanist
1.  Royce Franklin - Roanoke, TX
2.  Ray Franklin - San Antonio, TX
3.  Anthony Mature - New Waverly, TX
4.  Steve Williams - Lampassas, TX
5.  Al Mouledous - Dallas, TX
6.  Bobby Christman - Pottsboro, TX

Grand Champion Round and #1 is the winner of the Louis Franklin Championship
1.  Bubba Hopkins
2.  Gordon Townsend
3.  Junior Marriot
4.  Jason Andrews