Fiddlers, guitarists, mandolinists, bands and cloggers from states across the south descended on Ringgold May 29 to compete in the 1890’s Days Jamboree Old Time Fiddlers Convention.

Fiddlers of all ages rosined up their bows and cloggers kicked up their heels to win nearly $7,000 in prize money on the Northwest Georgia Bank stage in the historic Ringgold Depot.

Local winner Jonathan Goins of Tunnel Hill placed second in the mandolin contest.

Event chairman Lewis Taylor said they welcomed new contestants and added a band competition, which was more entertainment for the audience.

Megan Lynch of Goodlettsville, Tenn. won the Randall Franks Trophy at the 1890’s Days Jamboree.

She took home the title for the the 22-50 age group, which gave her the chance to compete for the trophy.

In the fiddle off, she faced Aerin DeJarnette of Snellville, Ga. from 16-21 age category, who placed second, and Chuck Reeves of Oakman, Ala., winner of the 51 and up category, who placed third.

The top three competitors took home the Randall Franks Trophy and a $500 prize.

The top prize is named in honor of Appalachian Ambassador of the Fiddle Randall Franks of Ringgold. He played Officer Randy Goode from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night.”

Franks co-hosted the event with emcee Kevin Mudd. He then presented the winners on the main stage.

The team dance competition was won by Harpeth River of Franklin, Tenn. with Jackson Hollow of Franklin, Tenn. taking second place and the Little Girls of White Bluff, Tenn. winning third.

A new addition to this year’s event was a bluegrass band competition. The Justice Family Bluegrass Band of Columbus, Ga. won first place with Spatial Effects of Dalton, Ga. taking second; Tennessee Valley Express of Fayetteville, Tenn. taking third and Blue Heaven of Monroe, Ga. winning fourth.

The next 1890’s Days Jamboree Old Time Fiddlers Convention will be Memorial Day weekend Saturday 2011 in Ringgold, Ga. For more information, visit www.cityofringgold.com.

2010 1890’s Days Jamboree Old Time Fiddle Convention winners

In order of first, second and third places

Fiddlers :

Randall Franks Trophy Fiddle Off:

Megan Lynch Goodlettsville, Tenn.

Aerin DeJarnette of Snellville, Ga.

Chuck Reeves of Oakman, Ala.

Ages 10 and under:

Caleb Bryant of Tuscaloosa, Ala.,

Ivy Phillips of Chapmansboro, Tenn.

Matthew Lin of Lexington, Ky.,

Ages 11-15:

Samantha Cunningham Versailles, Ky.

Emma DeJarnette of Snellville, Ga.

Andrew Lin of Lexington, Ky.

Ages 16-21:

Aerin DeJarnette of Snellville, Ga.

Alex Tomlinson of Suches, Ga.

Eli Bishop of Bellevue, Tenn.

Ages 22-50:

Megan Lynch of Goodlettsville, Tenn.

Kerry Varble of Toledo, Ohio

Ashley Sullivan of Mt. Juliet, Tenn.

Ages 51 and up:

Chuck Reeves of Oakman, Ala.

Cheryl Copas of Snellville, Ga.

Glen Fletcher of Dalton, Ga.

Bluegrass Band :

Justice Family Bluegrass Band of Columbus, Ga.

Spatial Effects of Dalton, Ga.

Tennessee Valley Express of Fayetteville, Tenn.

Blue Heaven of Monroe, Ga.

Guitarists :

Rob Pearcy of Smyrna, Tenn.

Tyler Sellers of Ashland City, Tenn.

Roy Curry of Hixson, Tenn.

Best Backup Guitarist :

Rob Pearcy of Smyrna, Tenn.

Mandolinists :

Bobby Nobley of LaGrange, Ga.

Jonathan Goins of Tunnel Hill, Ga.

Rob Pearcy of Smyrna, Tenn.

Dancers :

10 and under:

Kayla Patton of Lawrenceville, Ga.

Ivy Phillips of Chapmansboro, Tenn.

Sarah Fisher of Smyrna, Tenn.

Ages 11-20:

Kelly Eicher of Allensville, Ky.

Chris Stewart of Lyles, Tenn.

Shelby Dunn of Fairview, Tenn.

Ages 21-30:

Jennifer Campbell of White Bluff, Tenn.

Matthew Campbell of White Bluff, Tenn.

Piper Brownlee of Tucker, Ga.

Ages 31 and up:

Tommy Jackson of Franklin, Tenn.

Judy Pearson of Chattanooga, Tenn.

Margaret Stewart of Cleveland, Tenn.

Clogging Team :

Harpeth River of Franklin, Tenn.

Jackson Hollow of Franklin, Tenn.

Little Girls of White Bluff, Tenn.