Homestead National Monument of America Monumental Fiddling Championship and Acoustic Band Contest May 29

Mark your calendars for the most monumental of Monumental Fiddling Championship and Acoustic Band Contests. This day of rousing music and fun-filled competition will take place at Homestead National Monument of Americas Education Center on Saturday, May 29, 2010. There is a total of $1000 in prize money thanks to the Leigh F. Coffin, Jane M. Coffin, and Leigh M. Coffin Foundation. There is no registration fee or admission fee for the Monumental Fiddling Championship and Acoustic Band Contest. "The Monumental Fiddling Championship and Acoustic Band Contest is shaping up to be one of the biggest ever. Plan to attend this wonderful event to kick off the summer season," said Mark Engler, Superintendent of Homestead National Monument of America. The day will start with a free workshop for fiddlers at 10:00 a.m. Registration for the competition begins at10:00 a.m. also. Competition begins at 2:00 p.m. Participants will be divided into Junior (less than five years experience) and Senior Divisions. Participants will be asked to play a hoedown, waltz and tune of choice. All music should be from the homesteading era of 1862 to when Homestead National Monument of America was created in 1936. At 7:00 p.m. there will be an evening concert of winners with the top three in each division receiving cash prizes and trophies. The Nebraska Chapter of American String Teachers Association is again conducting a fiddle tune writing contest. The winning tune will be announced at the competition. For more information on the writing contest, contact Deborah Greenblatt at g-s@alltel.net. The Monumental Fiddling Championship and Acoustic Band Contest is sponsored in part by the Nebraska Arts Council, Leigh F. Coffin, Jane M. Coffin, and Leigh M. Coffin Foundation and Eastern National Bookstore. Make a weekend of your visit. Also enjoy the beautiful photography and stories of acclaimed photographer Michael Forsberg on Sunday, May 30 at the Education Center. He will give programs at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. with a booksigning between. His book is available in the bookstores at Homestead National Monument of America. Homestead National Monument of America is located 4 miles west of Beatrice on Nebraska Highway 4. Current hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Admission is free of charge. For more information call 402-223-3514 or visit www.nps.gov/home.