Scholarships awarded in fiddling contest

BISMARCK — The rooms of the Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site on Fourth Street in Bismarck again resounded with “old tyme fiddle music” as 11 violin students competed in the Third Annual Arthur A. Link Fiddling Contest Sunday.

The contest 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 been a leader in preserving and interpreting the Former Governors’ Mansion for more than 30 years. In 1975, Governor 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 that is held each summer at the Former Governors’ Mansion, which is managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

The Links were again on hand Sunday to distribute certificates to all of the fiddle contest participants and to present scholarships to participants.

“Music uplifts the heart and soul,” the former governor told the Sunday audience. “Everyone is a winner when they learn to enjoy playing music. The violin is a wonderful instrument and I am enthusiastic in encouraging you to continue your fine performance of fun and beautiful music.”

Link thanked parents and teachers for helping the students and related how he was taught violin playing by his Lutheran pastor when he was a young boy.

Cash scholarships were awarded in the grades 6 to 12 senior division to first place winner Tabitha Reule, Mandan, and second place winner Sadie Sorenson, West Fargo. Cash scholarships in the grades 1 to 5 junior division were awarded to first place winner Kamryn Hellman, Bismarck; second place winner Angelana Quanbeck, Fargo; and third place winner Mariah Vetter, Bismarck. Six partial scholarships for the International Music Camp fiddle contest to be held in June were also awarded.

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 701-328-9528 or e-mail jcampbell@nd.gov .

The site consists of a large two and one-half story restored Victorian house, and the restored 1903 carriage house. Built in 1884, it housed 20 chief executives of North Dakota between 1893 and 1960. Unique exhibits feature the restoration process, architectural style changes and furniture used by several governors. The grounds feature many examples of the types of flowers typical of the Victorian era. For schedule information, contact the State Historical Society at 701-328-2666 or visit the agency’s Web site at www.history.nd.gov.

Tags: other events, diversions, fiddle, scholarship