Fish Creek’s Winterfest Is Back

Think you have what it takes to be a stumpf fiddle champion? This year’s contest will feature a separate pro division. Photo by Len Villano.

Stumpf fiddle contest introduces pro division; disc golf takes to the ice

Winterfest – Fish Creek’s longest-standing tradition – will return Saturday, Feb. 5, with all the trimmings: the toilet-seat toss, minnow racing, ice bowling and the stumpf fiddle contest. 

This year’s musical competition, now in its seventh year of showcasing the quirky percussive instrument, will take the contest to a new level, moving it to the stage inside the main tent with beginner and pro divisions.

“The beginner group might be someone who has never played a stumpf fiddle before but doesn’t mind giving it their best shot playing it to a song in front of a crowd,” said Karlie Schulz, marketing and outreach manager for Visit Fish Creek. 

For more experienced stumpf fiddlers, the pro division offers a chance to let their talents and skills shine. 

“Contestants in this group will have two to three minutes on stage by themselves to play a song of their choice,” Schulz said. 

The winner in the pro division, chosen by audience applause, will have her or his name engraved on the stumpf fiddle contest trophy, which is also new this year. 

Advance registration for the stumpf fiddle contest is required. Contestants can register online through Friday, Feb. 4; on-site registration on Feb. 5 will be available if open spots are still available. This year’s stumpf fiddle contest will begin Feb. 5, 2 pm, in the main tent in Clark Park. 

Also new this year, expect a novel twist on disc golf as it takes to the ice Feb. 5, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm.

Learn more about the return of Winterfest, and see a full event schedule and registration links for the stumpf fiddle contest at VisitFishCreek.com.