Highfalls Fiddlers' Convention Celebrates 105th Year

Annual acoustic talent show returns after pandemic hiatus, honors late bluegrass supporter

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The 2026 Highfalls Fiddlers' Convention in central North Carolina brought together bluegrass musicians from across the state and region to compete in various categories, including fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and vocal. The event, which has been a community tradition since 1921, was revived this year by a rising NC State student and community member, Miranda Smith, after COVID-19 forced its cancellation. The convention featured performances, awards, and a special tribute to the late dobro player and bluegrass supporter, Pammy Lassiter.

Why it matters

The Highfalls Fiddlers' Convention is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the rich musical heritage of central North Carolina. After the event was sidelined by the pandemic, its return this year highlights the resilience of the local bluegrass community and the importance of preserving these cultural touchstones. The convention also serves as a platform for up-and-coming musicians to showcase their talents and connect with seasoned performers.

The details

The 2026 Highfalls Fiddlers' Convention took place on Saturday at North Moore High School in Robbins, NC. Despite breaking her leg in a January snowfall, event organizer Miranda Smith was present and even performed with her fellow NC State alumni bandmates during intermission. The competition featured categories such as fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and vocal, with winners in both youth and adult divisions. A special award was given in memory of the late dobro player Pammy Lassiter, a longtime supporter of North Carolina bluegrass, to John Fogleman, who was surprised and emotional upon receiving the honor.

  • The Highfalls Fiddlers' Convention has been an annual event since 1921.
  • The 2026 convention was held on Saturday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Miranda Smith

A rising NC State student and community member who revived the Highfalls Fiddlers' Convention after it was sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pammy Lassiter

A dobro player and longtime supporter of North Carolina bluegrass who passed away in January 2026.

John Fogleman

A bassist who was surprised and emotional upon receiving the Pammy Lassiter Memorial Most Outstanding Adult award, having been encouraged by Lassiter for many years.

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What they’re saying

“This year's event was one of the best yet, and it was great to see new musicians coming to Highfalls for the first time, as well as some who have been coming for decades. We had a very solid turnout, and will be able to give some money to the schools again.”

— Miranda Smith, Event Organizer (Bluegrass Today)

“Last year, I entered dobro. Pammy was on the side stage videoing me and cheering me on. She called me the next day to say how proud she was of me.”

— John Fogleman, Award Recipient (Bluegrass Today)

What’s next

The central North Carolina fiddlers convention circuit continues with the 100th annual Star Fiddlers' Convention on March 7 and the Seagrove Fiddlers' Convention on March 21.

The takeaway

The revival of the Highfalls Fiddlers' Convention after the pandemic demonstrates the enduring passion and community spirit that sustains these longstanding musical traditions in North Carolina. The event's ability to honor the legacy of supporters like Pammy Lassiter while nurturing the next generation of bluegrass talent ensures that this cultural touchstone will continue to thrive for years to come.