The Alleghany County Fiddlers Convention will be held July 21 and 22 at the Alleghany Fairgrounds in Sparta, N.C., with bluegrass and old time competition for bands and individuals in adult and youth categories, and a dance contest. Cash prizes and ribbons are awarded to winners.

It begins Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m., with a band championship playoff on Saturday night. Admission is $10 for one or two days. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Located at 1585 U.S. 21 north, the venue includes a covered grandstand and room for lawn chairs. Vendors will be on hand with a variety of food and wares.

The convention is sponsored by the Sparta-Alleghany Volunteer Fire Department, savfd@skybest.com, (336) 372-4957 or www.alleghanyfiddlersconvention.com.