With so many well-known Cape Breton fiddlers playing all over the world these days, it’s hard to imagine that the tradition was once in jeopardy. Back in the early 1970s, there was even talk that the Cape Breton fiddle style would disappear altogether! In response to the 1972 television documentary The Vanishing Cape Breton Fiddler, a group of dedicated individuals began contacting fiddlers about this dire prediction. There was such a strong response that the idea of a fiddlers’ organization was born and in 1973, the first Festival of Cape Breton Fiddling was staged, leading to the formation of the Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association. Comprised of up-and-coming—as well as professional and well-known—players and composers, the Fiddlers’ Association has been dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Cape Breton fiddle music ever since. The Association continues to be the grassroots of the fiddle tradition and the keepers of the Island’s fiddle repertoire, presenting an annual festival, hosting workshops, and providing opportunities for its members to learn new tunes and techniques. Cape Breton Island’s rich fiddling tradition will be front and centre this afternoon at Colaisde na Gàidhlig / the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s for Celtic Colours’ annual showcase featuring members of the Association in The Cape Breton Fiddlers.