'We're just a pickin' 'n fiddlin' ' Roxbury firefighters host their annual music fest

Folks were there from many miles around, an estimated 1,700 strong, to play their music, hear others' performances or just to soak up the atmosphere.

For a 36th straight year, the Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department's iconic Pickin' `n Fiddlin' contest proved a rousing success July 11 at Hurlburt Community Park in Roxbury.

The event had been postponed from July 10 because of rain.

Performances ranged from old-time fiddle, old-time banjo, mandolin, trick and fancy fiddle, finger picking and flat picking guitar and bluegrass banjo to a band playoff.

More than $3,200 in prize money, donated by Union Savings Bank, was earned by the musicians as patrons lounged in lawn chairs or blankets, indulging in picnic fare and beverages.

In all, 69 performers and 12 bands played their music.

The whole shindig was held as a fundraiser for the town's volunteer fire department.

"This is (our) major fundraiser, proceeds going towards new equipment for the department," said firefighter Andrew Kotas, who offered his appreciation to "all the volunteers and contributors who make it happen."

Among the Greater New Milford area's contest highlights were a second-place performance by John Bolster of New Milford in old-time banjo and third-place efforts by Friso Hermans of New Preston in old-time fiddle and Bruce Wheeler of Kent in finger-pick guitar.

For all the results or for more information, call 860-354-5921 or visit www.roxburyct.com or www.pickinnfiddlin.com.