Annually, the small town of Mansfield, Missouri is the setting of a commemoration to Laura Ingalls Wilder, best known for her book series, Little House on The Prairie. The books, and the television series they spawned, were based on her own life growing up in mid 19th century Missouri, and traditional fiddle music played a very significant part in her youth.
Wilders books were written on the homestead in Missouri where she grew up, listening to her Pa’s music (Charles Ingalls) as she reminisced about her earlier years.
Celebrating their annual event, for its 7th year, the backdrop for the celebration and The Fiddle Off, their yearly music competition, is Rocky Ridge Farm. In 1894, this farm was homesteaded by Almonzo Wilders and his bride, Laura. They used their savings for their down payment on an undeveloped piece of land on the outskirts of Mansfield.
The Fiddle Off was first held in 2017, and is hosted on Saturday of the designated weekend chosen by the Mansfield residents to commemorate and recognize Laura Ingalls Wilder. On September 24, 2022, the fiddle off was held once again, after missing the last two years during pandemic shutdowns.
Winners in each division were…
Open and Grand Champion Division:
- Junior Marriott
- Preston Marriott
- Tanner Marriott
- Makayla Byerly
- Anna Lang
- Tad Johnston
- Sholanda Miller
- Jacob Villotti
Accompanist Division:
- Tad Johnston
- Junior Marriott
- Tanner Marriott
- Splinter Middleton
- Jayce Miller
Senior Division:
- Tim Warde
- Johnnie Hensley
Junior Division:
- Riley Buttress
- Natalie Nagel
- Dacie Hicks
- Katherine Wendt
Pee Wee Division:
- Rebekah Marriott
This is a wonderful weekend of live music with a spotlight on the fiddle. A few miles up the road in Mansfield one can catch all the festivities of the Wilder Days.
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