Yuma Fiddle Contest

The 2026 Contest is in the Books!!!

Our certified Grand Champ: Aaron fewkes

Contest results are posted below in the Results section.

About

49th Annual Worthen Memorial Old Time Fiddlers Contest

January 9–11, 2026

Silver Spur Rodeo Clubhouse
2577 East County 14th Street
Yuma, Arizona 85365

The Worthen Memorial Old Time Fiddlers Contest is sponsored and hosted by the Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo. It is a long-standing Arizona tradition celebrating the joy, skill, and heritage of old-time fiddle music. Now in its 49th year, the contest brings together fiddlers of all ages and abilities from across Arizona and the Southwest for a weekend of competition, dancing, and community.

The contest honors the legacy of Charlie and Lois Worthen, whose passion for old-time music helped establish this event as a cherished cultural gathering in Yuma. The Worthen Memorial Contest continues to uphold the mission of preserving, promoting, and perpetuating traditional fiddling while encouraging musicians young and old to share their talents.

Attendance is open to the public with a small door charge, and cash prizes are awarded across multiple divisions.

Download Registration Form

Download Contest Poster

2026 Judges

Jess Barry
Beth Weber
JayDean Ludiker

2026 Emcee

John Kennedy

Awards & Prize Divisions

Over $2,800 in Cash Prizes! All divisions receive certificates.

Small Fry – $35 / 25 / 10 / 15 / 5
Junior/Junior – $50 / 35 / 25 / 15 / 10
Junior – $75 / 50 / 30 / 20 / 10
Young Adult – $100 / 75 / 50 / 30 / 15
Adult – $100 / 75 / 50 / 30 / 15
Senior – $100 / 75 / 50 / 30 / 15
Senior/Senior – $100 / 75 / 50 / 30 / 15
Novice – $25 / 15 / 10
Junior Vocal – $50 / 30 / 25
Vocal – $50 / 30 / 25
Junior Accompanist – $50 / 30 / 25
Accompanist – $50 / 30 / 25
Twin Fiddle – $60 / 40 / 30
Trick & Fancy – $60 / 40 / 30
Other Stringed Instruments (Viola, Cello, Banjo, Mandolin, Dulcimers, etc.) – $50 / $30 / $25
Band Scramble – Audience Recognition
Grand Champion $150 / 125 / 100 / 75 / 50 - 1st Place Winner Receives Certification to the National Old Time Fiddlers Contest in Weiser, Idaho

Schedule of Events

All contest times are approximate. Contestants must be registered and ready to play when their division is called.

Friday, January 9

2:00 PM - Workshop with JayDean Ludiker

6:30 PM – Fiddlers’ Show & Dance
Bar Open
Registration Available

WORKSHOP DETAILS

All Ages Welcome! Arizona Old Time Fiddlers local Territorial Chapter will be hosting JayDean Ludiker National Champion Old Time Fiddler and Instructor January 9, 2026, 2pm .

Learn tips and tricks to improve your tone plus learn a new tune. Ask questions about your personal instrument afterwards.

Suggested donation: Contest participants and AOTFA members $5, all others $10

DOWNLOAD WORKSHOP FLYER

Saturday, January 10

7:30 AM – Registration Opens
Breakfast Available On Site
8:40 AM – Judges’ Meeting
9:00 AM – Divisions

Young Adult – Round 1
Adult – Round 1
Senior – Round 1
Senior/Senior – Round 1
Novice
Accompanist
Twin Fiddle – Round 1
Fiddlers’ Game (as time allows)

Judges Play

Lunch Available On Site & Bar Open

1:00 PM – Divisions Continue

Young Adult – Round 2
Adult – Round 2
Senior – Round 2
Senior/Senior – Round 2
Twin Fiddle – Round 2
Vocal 18 & Up
Band Scramble

Awards

Dinner Available On Site & Bar Open

6:30 PM – Fiddlers’ Show & Dance

Sunday, January 11

7:30 AM – Registration Opens
Breakfast Available On Site
8:40 AM – Judges’ Meeting
9:00 AM – Divisions

Junior – Round 1
Trick & Fancy – Round 1
Other Stringed Instruments
Small Fry
Junior/Junior
Junior Accompanist
Junior – Round 2
Trick & Fancy – Round 2
Junior Vocal (17 & Under)
Fiddlers’ Game (as time allows)

Judges Play

Lunch Available On Site & Bar Open

Grand Champion Division

Final Awards

DOWNLOAD SCHEDULE

Judges

2026 Judges

Jess Barry

Jess learned his first fiddle tune from his Grandfather and has been playing in the Yuma Contest since he was eleven years old. Jess is a two-time Arizona State Champion. In younger years he played bluegrass fiddle professionally with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Today he and his wife Amy and four kids keep the family fiddle tradition alive. He is a working cowboy and manages the Bar V Ranch in Vail, Arizona.

Beth Weber

Beth has been playing fiddle since the age of eight. She taught Suziki violin for forty years, and conducted youth and adult orchestras. She has published eight music books of international folk dance music and international Christmas music. Beth directed the Sandpoint (Idaho) music camp for two years. Since moving to Ajo, AZ several years ago, she has enjoyed playing Latin jazz music in the community.

JayDean Ludiker

JayDean is a prominent fourth-generation fiddler with a lifelong dedication to old-time fiddling. Starting at the age of ten, she quickly grew into a formidable talent, winning the National Junior Fiddle Championship at age 17 and the National Ladies Championship shortly after. Her passion for music led her to a successful career as both a teacher and performer. Through her company, Ludiker Music, JayDean teaches old-time fiddling to students across the country, both in person and online. She has guided numerous students to success in state and national championships and helped many launch professional careers. She has several music books published, which are available at the contest. Additionally, JayDean judges fiddle contests, organizes children’s performing groups, and instructs at various fiddle camps nationwide.