[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 25, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING ATHENS OLD FIDDLERS CONTEST AND REUNION 80TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. JEB HENSARLING

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 25, 2011

  Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 80th 
Anniversary of the Athens Old Fiddlers Contest and Reunion in Henderson 
County, Texas.
  Founded in 1932 in Bethel, the contest was moved to Athens in 1933 
and found a permanent home at the Henderson County Courthouse on the 
square in downtown Athens.
  The Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion is one of the oldest continuous 
fiddle reunions in the United States, and it is devoted to the 
preservation of the style of music that once brought courage to our 
starving troops at Valley Forge, earned devoted admirers like Benjamin 
Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, and today continues to delight millions.
  On behalf of the Fifth Congressional District of Texas, I commend the 
volunteers who generously donate their time and talents to ensure the 
future of this festival.

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