TN Valley Fiddlers Convention - Where the Beef Is

TN Valley Fiddlers Convention - Where the Beef Is

Written By
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist
Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association


If you have never been to the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention, also known as Fiddlers

for short, it is held the first full weekend in October each year.  You are not only are you missing the music, vendors and fun but also the best Ribeye sandwiches prepared by the Limestone County Cattlemen's Association.   These Ribeye sandwiches are as famous as the festival itself and the waffing smell of the sizzling steaks on the grill will have your nose leading you directly to their tent.

The legacy of the Limestone County Cattlemen's Association started in 2000 according to Limestone County Cattlemen's Association Secretary Daveen Stanford.  The group originally partnered with the cheerleaders to raise funds for scholarships the first couple of years until the sports programs were discontinued.  The group then joined the English Department to continue their participation in Fiddlers - to the good fortune of the scholarship program and happy attendees.

What makes this a great pairing of locally farmed beef and good old fashion mountain music?  October is Beef Month and so is Fiddlers!  Not only do they share the rewards of hard work - the Ribeye steaks perfectly grilled onsite - but they also offer handouts and recipes that educate people to the nutrients of beef and its importance in a healthy diet.

Secretary Stanford said that over the Fiddlers weekend, the Limestone County Cattlemen's Association will cook 2,600 Ribeyes for sandwiches.  They try to cook 1,300 sandwiches each day and start selling at 10:00AM. On Friday, you can expect to find a Ribeye Sandwich for about 5 hours but don't wait on Saturday, you can expect them to be sold out in 4 hours or less.  Don't be discouraged by the long lines, it is completely worth the wait.

When asked, Secretary Stanford said the next year's planning for the Fiddlers convention starts as soon and the new year begins. Lessons learned each year are put to good use the next so attendees and the volunteers from the Cattlemen's Association can have the best experience when the product is bought.

This year, attendees can enjoy a Ribeye steak sandwich, a bag of chips and drink of your choice for $10.00.  They'll also be serving up cold Sundrop, Diet Sundrop, Coke, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, Diet Dr. Pepper, Sprite, all in cans, and water.

So be sure to add this to your reasons to join Athens State University for the 50th Anniversary of the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention on October 6th, 7th and 8th on the green of Founders' Hall.  For more information:  athens.edu/fiddlers