IF YOU GO* What: 1890s Day Jamboree.* When: 5-10:30 p.m. today, 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday.* Where: Downtown Ringgold, Ga.* Admission: Free.* Phone: 706-935-2251.* Website: http://1890sday.com.
The city of Ringgold, Ga., kicks off its 35th annual 1890s Day Jamboree tonight with gospel music on three stages.
The family festival continues Saturday with a fiddle contest, music and dance groups, parade, pageant and classic car show, capped off by a fireworks finale at 10 p.m. More than 100 food, arts and crafts booths will be set up in the downtown district.
A highlight of the weekend is the Old Time Fiddlers Convention competition, which will register participants starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday on the lawn of the Catoosa County Courthouse, 800 LaFayette St.
The event begins with mandolin and guitar competitions at 9 a.m. and includes team and individual dance competitions later in the day.
Opening ceremonies for the fiddle contest are scheduled at noon, following the parade at 11 a.m.
Contests are divided by age group, with performances by area bands between. Scheduled to perform are Spatial Effects, Justice Family Bluegrass, Tennessee Valley Express and Blue Haven.
The Grand Fiddle Champion will be decided in a competition between the winners of all age groups.
The 17th annual Jamboree Pageant will start at 2 p.m. at the Ringgold Depot, corner of Depot Street and Highway 41. The car show will be at 3 p.m. in the First Baptist Church parking lot, 7611 Nashville St.