Kriti Sood
The 46th annual Topanga Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival took place Sunday with more than 5,000 people enjoying perfomances, food and contests.
It was hosted by the Paramount Ranch near Agoura.
“It’s Southern California’s favorite old time and bluegrass music event.” said Warren Garfield, publicist and vice president of the board of directors.
There were more than 100 contestants of singers, folk dancers and musicians.
The art and craft booths was the main attraction. Cash prizes and certificates were awarded for a variety of categories such as band, instrument and traditional singing.
$5,000 in prize money and gift certificates were awarded to first, second and third places.
Besides winning prizes, musical instruments were won through raffles.
Guests brought picnics while others delved into barbecued hotdogs, sandwiches and salads.
Laura Garfield, a Tarzana resident was one of the contestants in the band category. “Sometimes in Tune” include a banjo player, guitarist and herself, the fiddler.
“There is music to hear, friends to see and music to play,” she said. “This annual festival is one of my favorite days of the year.”
“The festival is mainly about the contests. People are competing for prizes,” said Garfield.
Although the deadline for entering the contests was in April, people were welcome to bring instruments, see performances, dance and shop.