Fiddler contest set in February in Bismarck

The Society for the Preservation of the Former Governors’ Mansion will be holding the third annual Governor Arthur A. Link Fiddle Contest on Feb. 14, 2010.

Violin students from throughout North Dakota are invited to participate in this event, which honors former Gov. Arthur A. Link, who served as the state’s 27th chief executive from 1973 to 1981. Link is an accomplished fiddle player, and along with his wife, Grace, has supported the Former Governors’ Mansion for more than 30 years. In 1975, Link signed legislation which preserved the Governors’ Mansion as a state historic site. Link for many years played the fiddle at the Annual Lawn Party each summer at the Former Governors’ Mansion, which is managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

There are two contest divisions: Junior, which covers grades one through six; and Senior, which covers grades seven through 12. All contestants will receive a certificate signed by the Links. Cash scholarships will be provided to the persons chosen for recognition: $350 for first place, $250 for second place, and $150 for third place in the Senior Division; $100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place in the Junior Division.

Elementary students and secondary students from throughout the state interested in competing in the contest can find additional information and download the entry form by visiting the State Historical Society’s Web site at www.history.nd.gov. In addition to the entry form, a $20 entry fee is required along with a letter of recommendation from an instructor, teacher or character witness.

For more information about the contest, contact Lynn Clancy at 701-214-9413 or e-mail at lnjclancy@ bis.midco.net.

The Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site is open year-round. Its winter hours, now in place through May 15, are the second Friday and Saturday of each month, from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Groups are welcome to schedule a visit to the Former Governors’ Mansion at times other than its regular open hours by calling Site Supervisor Johnathan Campbell at 701-328-9528 or e-mail at jcampbell@ nd.gov.

Tags: diversions, community, music, contest, fiddler, bismarck, education