Ahoy, banjo buccaneers! Show us yer strings and yer sass at the Dueling Banjos Contest!

Dueling Banjos Contest

Hosted by the Bluegrass Pirates Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 3:30-6:30 PM | Jiggs Landing

Get ready for a toe-tappin', string-slappin', costume-clashin' showdown! Join us for an afternoon of music, nostalgia, and mischief on the swampy stage of Jiggs Landing.

1. Contest Structure and Scoring

Participants will be judged by a panel of three experts: two pirate musicians and one local historian. Points will be awarded in the following categories:

Category Points

Live performance on banjo or string instrument 1-10

Costume inspired by Deliverance characters 1-5

Use of a vintage instrument (pre-1980) 1-5

1972-era memorabilia (e.g., posters, vinyl, props) 1-5

Overall performance flair and crowd reaction 1-5

Location: Jiggs Landing stage area

Setup Includes:

Stage with mics and seating

Memorabilia display table

2. Costume and Memorabilia Encouragement

Bonus points for dressing as Deliverance characters (Drew, Bobby, banjo boy, etc.)

3. Props encouraged: 1970s camping gear, vintage radios, movie posters, old canoe

4. Prizes and Announcements

Grand Prize: $100 cash

Weekend stay at Jiggs Landing (subject to availability; blackout dates apply)

Runner-Up Prizes:

Free boat tour, Jiggs Landing merch. Drink vouchers

Winner Announced Early with a pirate-style toast!