Colorado Oldtime Fiddlers' Association

About Us

The Colorado Oldtime Fiddlers’ Association (COTFA) produces the Colorado Fiddle Championships — one of the premier fiddle contests in the U.S. — during the opening weekend of the National Western Stock Show.

Event Highlights

• Nearly 100 contestants from across Colorado & the nation

• Part of the Stock Show’s 105,000+ visitors opening weekend

• Featured by 9News, KUNC, and other media outlets

• Nationally recognized contest drawing top fiddle & guitar players

• Celebrates Colorado’s Western heritage through music

Why Sponsor?

Your sponsorship directly supports:

• Judges, staff musicians, emcee, and sound engineer

• Contestant prize money

• Programming costs

100% of funds raised go directly to producing the event. All board members and volunteers are unpaid.

Financial support of COTFA and the Colorado Fiddle Championships is an investment in the preservation of this historic musical art form which promotes participation of all ages, while educating and entertaining the public. 

Testimonials

"I'm just repeating what I said to you, this week-end 's contest was the best I've attended. Thanks to your leadership and the efficient support of the volunteers, the contest was both entertaining and a fiddling skill landmark. I'm still in disbelief at the incredible talent displayed by the contestants. I'm reassured that this cultural treasure we have ( OLD-TIME FIDDLING) is being carried safely to future generations.
Thanks for all your effort,
Jim "Shorty" Chancellor

The Colorado Oldtime Fiddlers Association brings together fiddlers from throughout the state and beyond. This organization has created an incredible community of fiddlers of all ages to play music together in jam sessions, contests, and square dances. I'm grateful for COTFA, they've kept fiddling alive in Colorado. And not only that, they've put Colorado on the map as one of the best fiddle scenes in the country!

Katie Glassman, owner and founder of FiddleSchool.com

"Ever since I fell in love with fiddling as a young child, I have been so grateful for everything COTFA does to preserve and promote old-time and Texas-style fiddling in Colorado. From contests to square dances to workshops and more, the cultural value that COTFA’s programming provides is unique and invaluable. COTFA has made so many positive musical experiences possible for me—experiences that have kept me inspired to play fiddle ever since I was a child. If you’re a lover of fiddling who wants traditional music to continue to survive and thrive in Colorado, COTFA is the best place for your dollars to go." Celeste Johnson

"The Colorado Fiddle Championship Contest has been one of my favorite contests to attend over the past 10+ years. The location is fun with the Western Stock Show taking place all around you and the contest itself has been excellently run since it started. I look forward to competing once again in 2016 and seeing all of my fiddling family and friends!" Sydney Green

"Colorado Oldtime Fiddler's Association is a family focused organization dedicated to preserving and passing on the rich musical traditions of fiddling in Colorado. This is a group that is friendly and inclusive, and has been a pleasure to work with."

"The Colorado Fiddle Championships is traditional music event that brings contestants from around the United States. The competition is outstanding, but more important is the camaraderie among the musicians, and the teaching that takes place as the more experienced fiddlers take the younger ones under their wing. It is the kind of event that brings people together to celebrate their heritage, and passes these traditions on to the younger generations."
Vi Wickam