For almost 25 years, Phyllis Lefevre of Casper has played the fiddle "just for fun," she said.

Beginning in fifth grade, Lefevre played classical string music, but took time off from playing while raising six kids.

"I was busy, but I missed the music," she said.

A church friend asked if she was interested in joining a fiddle group, and that's when Lefevre began playing again.

Now, at age 85, she's proud to be the oldest participant in the Rocky Mountain Regional Fiddle Championships and Music Festival, sponsored by the Wyoming Old Time Fiddlers Association.

"It's good music, it's traditional, and we're hoping to keep it from disappearing," she said of the event. "Also, it's just fun!"

Held this year at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel in Casper, the contest features winners in 16 divisions, ranging from the "Small Fry" kids' division to the "Senior Senior" division -- the group in which Lefevre participates.

Ann Robinson, a Fiddlers Association board member and 17-year chairman of the 18 year old event, said the championship is vital because it allows musicians of all ages to gain public experience.

"We have from novice to real experienced players, so it gives everybody the opportunity to play in front of an audience," she said.

Judges include national fiddling champions and enthusiasts.

The event is usually a success, Robinson said, because it attracts people from all over the country.

"We get together and it gives us an opportunity to become part of the national fiddling community," she said. "People come here and they love Casper. They say they like to come here because it's a friendly contest and it gives the people of the area the opportunity to hear people from all over the country play."

Contact reporter Megan Lee at (307) 266-0589 or megan.lee@trib.com

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