2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 59
Commending the Old Fiddler's Convention.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 26, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, January 29, 2026
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