Wayne Kinnie, lessee of the Gem Theater in Panguitch has brainstormed an idea to bring, if not a totally different group of tourists into Garfield County, at least a group that will attract others and more visitors here.

 

One of his co-workers, Gail Eling, is constructing a dance floor to be used on July 4, 1986 when Kinnie institutes an annual "old Time Fiddlin'" contest.  He plans to use the stage during good weather for weekly dances of fiddlin' music or square dancing.  The plan is at present he said, "to bring the best fiddlin' people from all over the country to our contests.  I have sent out 600 requests for attendance confirmation to those who regularly travel to events such as this."

 

Kinnie has contacted other areas that have been involved with this kind of event and without exception they have been successful.  He plans cash prizes and trophies.  He also will bring in judges who monitor fiddlin' contests.

 

Kinnie asks that anyone who is interested in playing or who has any expertise in the area of fiddlin', banjoing, square dancing, or blue grass music, to contact him at the Gem Theater in Panguitch.

 

"After all," Kinnie said, "all you can do is have a lot of fun."