Submitted Photo The Fantasy Fiddlers, composed of musicians from the U.S. and Canada, took part in a former Frozen Fingers Festival. Their home country is indicated by the flag pattern on the jacket sleeves.

Organizers of the 35th Anniversary Frozen Fingers Festival, taking place Friday, April 5, and Saturday, April 6, at the Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center, Minot, plan to use the event proceeds to send local youth who are interested in music to the International Music Camp.

Every year, the Western North Dakota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association of North Dakota puts on the Frozen Fingers Festival. The money raised is given in the form of scholarships to help children who want to be involved in the world of music go to the International Music Camp in the International Peace Garden, north of Dunseith.

During the last several years, the organization has awarded hundreds of scholarships. President Lois Zahn said more often than not, once students are given the opportunity to go to music camp, they want to go back again and again.

In 2023, 29 scholarships were given.

Students may play any instrument, including electric ones. They do not necessarily have to play an instrument, either. A student may be interested in choir, musical theater and other camp activities that involve music.

The doors for this year’s festival will open at 5 p.m. on Friday, followed by food and music. Saturday’s activities will begin at noon, opened by the Dakota Drifters. Door prizes and a silent auction will take place during the performances as well.

The groups or solo musicians who perform at the festival play acoustic instruments, as opposed to electric or electronic means. The instruments are not connected to amps or speakers. In cases of playing on a stage or in a large room, sometimes the musician will stand closer to a microphone and play into it to project the sound.

The organization officially formed in 1989 under the name Western North Dakota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association, making this year its 35th celebration. In honor of the anniversary, more bands have been asked to join the festivities.

A unique feature of the Frozen Fingers Festival is someone is always performing. Zahn wants to make sure everyone has a positive experience and wants to keep her audience interested. To accomplish this, performances are staggered. After an artist is finished with an act on the stage, the action will move down to the dance floor, then it jumps back to the stage.

The name “Frozen Fingers” came from holding the festival in February at its beginning. As the years went on, the organization members wanted to make it easier for people to attend, moving it to April every year instead.