Fantastic Fiddlers Take a Bow in Iowa State Fair Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/14/2019) (readMedia)-- David Bellegante, 59, of Des Moines fiddled his way to a Grand Championship title in the Fiddlers' Contest judged Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.

Lacey Partlow of Stuart was named Runner-up Grand Champion Fiddler.

Qualifying contests for the Grand Championship were held Friday through Sunday. The winners of the 18-49 age division and 50 and older age group then advanced to the Grand Championship.

Additional results below:

FIDDLERS

Ages 12 and Under

1) Anne Stuart, Polk City

2) Timmy Zachar, Cedar Rapids

3) Matthew Wilson-Langman, Pleasant Hill

4) Nina Torkelson, West Branch

5) Ava Carr, Des Moines

Ages 13 to 17

1) Kat Schmidt, Des Moines

2) Isaac Yoder, Waterloo

3) Patriot Berger, Ames

4) Hailie Spiker, Indianola

5) Sam Alexander, Indianola

Age 18 to 49

1) Lacey Partlow, Stuart

2) Amy Carr, Ankeny

3) Ben McClure, Des Moines

4) Peter Bailey, Polk City

5) Elaina Steenson, Des Moines

Age 50 & Over

1) David Bellegante, Des Moines

2) Bettie Swarts, Indianola

3) Billy Kearney, Sheldahl

4) Leon Johnson, Mitchellville

5) Jo Beane, Audubon

The contest was part of "Rural Americana Olde Tyme Competitions" in Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall. A first prize of $5 and ribbons were awarded to each class.

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The Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country and the single largest event in the state. The Fair began over 160 years ago and is now considered one of the best events in the nation, attracting more than one million Fairgoers every year from all over the world. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University, just off the interstate and minutes from Downtown Des Moines. Nothing Compares to State Fair Favorites: August 8-18, 2019. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.