OGDEN — AJ Wright and Dale Pendleton were the personification of the multi-generational draw for the Weber County Fair.
The pair, ages 9 and 90 respectively, performed Wednesday on the opening day of the fair with the local Pioneer chapter of the Utah Old Time Fiddlers.
AJ, of South Weber, who has played acoustic guitar with the fiddlers for just a year, faced Pendleton as he performed, so he could follow his lead.
“It’s really great to bring the kids along to have them play,” said Ken Murdock, of Syracuse, who performed on the guitar as well as serving as the group’s announcer.
Meagan Gardner, 14, of North Ogden, also played the penny whistle.
“We are trying to foster the old-time music and have it pass on from generation to generation,” Murdock said.
The nine-member group, which played four violins, four guitars and a mandolin, entertained with such tunes as “Orange Blossom Special,” “Leather Britches” and “Song of Wyoming.”
Pendleton, of Ogden, recognized as the “old timer,” was an original member when the group formed in 1975. He played and sang a tune about a little boy pulling a girl in his red wagon.
The performance was just one of the many happenings Wednesday. There was a 4-H horse show and a Clydesdale horse show, numerous contests and activities designed for the younger crowd to celebrate Kids’ Day and weeklong exhibits, including home arts and commercial and vendor booths.
The Pioneer chapter of the Old Time Fiddlers invites all who want to participate in their jam sessions to attend on the first Saturday of each month at the Pleasant Valley branch of the Weber County Library, 5568 Adams Ave., and on the third Saturday at the Southwest branch, 1950 W. 4800 South. Sessions are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
AJ said for much of the year, his learning was spurred only by the free sessions until he started taking guitar lessons this spring.
“It’s good that they are willing to teach them,” said AJ’s mother, Lara Wright. “It’s great that we can pass this on.”
AJ was the winner of a beginner’s Utah Old Time Fiddlers guitar-picking contest in June among musicians of all ages in Spanish Fork.
The fair continues through Saturday.
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