General Rules
Showcase Rules
Fiddle Rules
Step Dance Rules
- There is no entry fee however contestants are required to pay admission to the fair.
- Contestants may enter one fiddle class, one solo step dance class, a group step dance, a duet fiddle and the showcase.
- All judges' decisions are final. Judges will not be required to explain standings.
- Numbers will be drawn to determine the order of performance.
- Proof of age may be requested.
- Open Fiddle and Open Step Dance classes are reserved for contestants with advanced skills. The Committee reserves the right to monitor eligibility.
- In the case of a tie, contestants may be asked to perform their entire performance again.
- Should an accident beyond the performer's control occur (i.e. broken string or broken tap), contestants will be able to start the entire performance again at the judges' discretion.
- Marks will be available to contestants after awards to their class have been presented.
- The Metcalfe Agricultural Society reserves the right to record/photograph for media use and offer for sale any portion or all of the contest or program to be used for promotional material.
Showcase Rules
- The SHOWCASE is intended for those with little experience on stage or those who wish to demonstrate their abilities for an audience without the element of competition.
- Any type of performance is acceptable, as long as it includes fiddling and/or step dancing. It can be a solo fiddler or step dancer, a novelty act, a group performance, or anything in between.
- This class is NOT judged. No prizes will be awarded.
Fiddle Rules
- Contestants in the 9 & under class are required to play one fiddle tune of their choice.
- The Duet Fiddle class is open to all contestants. Any combination of two fiddlers, no age limit. Must play in harmony a waltz and a tune of choice, in that order.
- Contestants in all other classes are required to play a waltz, jig and reel or breakdown in that order.
- A house pianist will be available however contestants may choose to use their own accompanist (piano or guitar).
- Judging will be based on: degree of difficulty, tone, timing, tempo, intonation, bowing and feeling for tune(s).
- Competitors for youngest fiddler award will have to play a recognizable fiddle tune.
Step Dance Rules
- Contestants in 9 & under, 12 & under, 19-49, and 50 & over must dance one of a clog, jig or reel.
- Contestants in 15 & under, 18 & under, and Open must dance a clog, jig and reel in that order without stopping.
- Group entries consist of TWO or more dancers and can perform any routine, not necessarily a clog, jig, and reel. No dancer may compete in more than one group.
- Contestants will be evaluated on timing, sound, execution/precision, quality/variety of steps and showmanship. Group contestants will also be judged on choreography and precision of movement.
- A house fiddler is available however contestants may choose to use their own fiddler. Pre-recorded music is not permitted.
- Competitors for the youngest dancer award will have to independently execute formulated steps.