The Iowa State Fair is in the midst of its 171st year with many attractions to visit, both old and new. But none are as old as the fiddlers' contest, which celebrated its 100th year Sunday.

Throughout those 100 years, individuals have boasted their skills with the fiddle in front of spectators and judges at Pionneer Hall with the hopes of taking home the first prize. This year's winner was Kirk Brandenberger of Keokuk, who now can claim two fiddlers' titles — 52 years apart.

Brandenberger, who turns 70 next Saturday, last competed in the contest in 1973 in the under-18 division and took home the title in his third attempt at the time.

"I first came when I was 11 years old, which is many years ago," he said. "There was always something going on somewhere else. And it's a long ways up h

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