Payson is proud to host Arizona’s State Fiddling Championship for the 55th year. Come one, come all and enjoy the musical offerings of Arizona’s most talented fiddlers. From the youngest (small fry) to the eldest (senior), we’re sure that you will be delighted by their talent. Bring the family and lawn chairs and join us at the Payson Event Center for a truly enjoyable weekend full of music and amazing food trucks. Divisions will go in order, times not guaranteed.

Schedule Of Events

Live Performances

5:30pm-6:30pm : Arizona Wildflowers

The Arizona Wildflowers are a talented family band from Casa Grande, Arizona, blending bluegrass and western swing with youthful energy and remarkable musicianship. Led by 16-year-old Ranelle Dietrich an eight-time fiddle champion—the group features siblings Brie (14) and Aspen (12) on guitar and fiddle, Sawyer (9) on Bass and Isley (7) on Fiddle. Known for their polished arrangements and heartfelt performances, The Arizona Wildflowers bring a fresh take on traditional roots music wherever they play.

7pm-10pm : Desert Knights Band

Doug Deatherage, also known as “The fiddler” won the Arizona Country Music Associations National Instrumentalist of the Year in 1993 and 1994. Under the leadership of Doug Deatherage , the Desert Knights band won Arizona country music associations vocal group of the year 1993/94 and 1st place in the Payson country music festival in 1989. Doug Deatherage has opened up for country greats such as Toby Keith, Doug Stone, Tracy Lawrence, Jerry Reed, Waylon Jennings, The Dixie Chicks and has worked with country music’s hall of fame Hank Thompson and David Frizzell.