The blazing heat Sunday afternoon didn’t keep bluegrass and folk fans away from the 33rd Annual Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championships.

Families came out armed with lawn chairs and cold water to watch children and adults compete in a number of different categories including Ensemble Folk Singing, Fiddle, and Banjo. Nerves were present but didn’t stop anyone from performing beautifully and inspiring some of us to pick up our neglected instruments and join the fun.

Words and photos by Lillian Wright Smith