Break Out Banjos, Dancing Shoes for Folk Arts Festival

It’s been quite a few years since the Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest, Dance and Folk Arts Festival has actually taken place in Topanga. The folksy name remains as the festival holds its 27th annual celebration Sunday, this time at El Camino College in Torrance.

This low-keyed, family event focuses on the more than 100 banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin and dulcimer contestants who will be competing for prizes and glory. Contestants are grouped by level of ability so there might be a 6-year-old competing against a 73-year-old. In addition to the contest, there’s a lunch concert and afternoon concert featuring local professional groups.

The competitions will take place on a stage set up on the track field. Seating is strictly on the grass, so families should bring blankets and, since there’s no shade, hats. Visitors may bring picnic baskets or buy food at one of several food booths. On the menu: hot dogs, hamburgers, shish kebab, pineapple, watermelon, ice cream and sodas.

Traditional Country Dances

At the other end of the field, on a second stage, local dance groups will perform traditional country dances: square dancing, Greek, Scottish and Israeli. On the grass directly in front of the stage, instructors will teach the basic steps to all comers. Children are encouraged to participate. The dancing ends with a late afternoon clog-dancing contest.

El Camino College is located at Crenshaw and Redondo Beach boulevards. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for kids under age 12. Call (213) 540-8416. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.