The 2017 Grand Master Fiddler Champion Mia Orosco (third from left) of Woodway, Tx. receives her trophy, from left, Mr. Franks, GMFC Director Ed Carnes, and GMFC Director Howard Harris.
photo by Susan Harris
Award winning fiddler and actor Randall Franks served as celebrity host of the Grand Master Fiddler Championship at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Museum and in that capacity wrangled the fiddlers to the stage cheering them on as they competed.
"It was a wonderful honor to encourage all these talented fiddlers of all ages as they pulled their bows towards victory," Mr. Franks said.
Several contest winners from Ringgold's 1890s Day Jamboree Fiddle Contest went on to compete at the Grand Master event: Tyler Andal who won several categories in Ringgold won traditional fiddle; Ivy Phillips who won the youth category in Ringgold placed fifth alongside adults in the open category; while second place winner Benjamin Lin won the Masters youth category.
Ringgold's 2017 Randall Franks Trophy winner Maddie Denton served as a Masters judge, performed at the contest, and also on the Grand Ole Opry.