2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26102955D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 59

Offered January 20, 2026

Commending the Old Fiddler's Convention.

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Patrons—Cornett, Williams, Austin, Ballard, Bloxom, Davis, Fowler, Garrett, Griffin, Hamilton, Hodges, Kent, Kilgore, Leftwich, McLaughlin, McNamara, Morefield, Oates, O'Quinn, Pence, Phillips, Runion, Scott, P.A., Tata, Wachsmann, Walker, Ware, Webert, Whittle, Wiley, Wilt, Wright, Wyatt and Zehr; Senator: Suetterlein

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WHEREAS, the Old Fiddler's Convention, a beloved annual event in Galax that brings musicians and fans together for several days of world-class bluegrass and old-time music, celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2025; and

WHEREAS, the Old Fiddler's Convention was established in 1935 by the Moose Lodge 733 of Galax as a way to raise funds for the organization and promote awareness of its impact in the community; and

WHEREAS, after a successful first year, the Old Fiddler's Convention was relocated to Felts Park in Galax, where it has been reliably held every year since, with the exception of one year during World War II and one year during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, from its humble origins, the Old Fiddler's Convention has grown steadily over the years to become the oldest continuous bluegrass and old-time music festival in the United States, drawing more than 30,000 people from around the world each year; and

WHEREAS, today, the Old Fiddler's Convention is a nearly weeklong event that includes a number of competitions across various categories, including fiddle, banjo, dobro, dulcimer, guitar, mandolin, autoharp, and flatfoot dancing, culminating with full band bluegrass and old-time music competitions on Saturday night; and

WHEREAS, the Old Fiddler's Convention is cherished not only for the phenomenal acts that grace its stage, but for the culture and community that is nourished in its campsites and parking lots, where the musicians often keep on picking late into the evening; and

WHEREAS, the Old Fiddler's Convention's unique format provides an unparalleled opportunity for amateur musicians to shine, enabling them to share their talents with others and to develop a loyal following of fans; and

WHEREAS, the Old Fiddler's Convention has hosted a youth competition in recent years, providing a springboard for the next generation of bluegrass and old-time musicians; and

WHEREAS, since its founding, the Old Fiddler's Convention has remained true to its purpose, to honor and celebrate the musical traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia, ensuring that these distinctive artistic expressions of the Commonwealth will endure and thrive for generations to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Old Fiddler's Convention on the occasion of its 90th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Moose Lodge 733 of Galax, organizers of the Old Fiddler's Convention, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the event's contributions to Southwest Virginia and the Commonwealth.