When G.F. Collins held the first Bluegrass and Old Time Fiddlers Convention in Mount Airy, North Carolina during the first weekend of June 1971, he had no idea that the small competition would attract people throughout the world. Today more than 5,000 people and about 150 bands from throughout the United States, and some from as far away as Europe flock to the small Southern town whose only other claim to fame is as the fictional town of Mayberry on the Andy Griffith Show. Competitors enter in one or more of the categories: Bluegrass & Old Time band, Bluegrass & Old Time fiddle, Bluegrass & Old Time banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass, dobro, dulcimer, autoharp, folk song, adult and children's dance. Winners receive prize money, ribbons, or trophies. People from various walks of life, from farmers to lawyers, pre-teens and older musicians, come together to be chosen best in their competing category or to just have fun playing or dancing.

The event begins on Friday night and ends on Sunday, held during the first full weekend in June and sponsored by The American Legion and V.F.W.