Walnut Valley Festival National Championship Winners
By Fiona Potts
The Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, hosted the 2023 National Championships for both hammered and mountain dulcimer in September. Dulcimer Players News extends the heartiest of congratulations to all of the contestants and recognizes the following winners:
Hammered Dulcimer
Champion: Mickey Sweeney (Lake St. Louis, Missouri)
2nd Place: Gage Milton (Lewisville, Texas)
3rd Place: Tim Simek (Maryville, Tennessee)
Runners Up: Ken Shoemaker (Overland Park, Kansas); Clifford White (Jefferson City, Missouri)
Mountain Dulcimer
Champion: David Wilson (Springfield, Missouri)
2nd Place: Dana Hamilton (Arlington, Texas)
3rd Place: Allison O’Shea (Nashville, Indiana)
Runners Up: Sarah Miner (Post, Texas); Keith Reynolds (Arkansas City, Kansas)
Left to right: Dana Hamilton, David Wilson, Allison O’Shea. Photo courtesy of Walnut Valley Festival.
What is it?
The Walnut Valley Festival, also known simply as “Winfield,” takes place annually on the third weekend in September.
It is known not only for the on stage performers and the championships, but also for the campside picking and jamming. Purchase tickets and learn more at wvfest.com.