Benjamin Rosenthal of Damariscotta, speaks to fiddle mentor and teacher Ellen Gawler, of Belgrade, on Sunday at the East Benton Fiddlers Convention and Contest.

Chuck Littlefield, right, officially opens the 44th annual East Benton Fiddlers Convention and Contest on Sunday. Littlefield's mother, Shirley, founded the event.

Butch Hajford, of Montville, warms up Sunday as the 44th annual East Benton Fiddlers Convention and Contest begins.

Ellen Gawler, of Belgrade, plays on stage Sunday at the 44th annual East Benton Fiddlers Convention and Contest. Gawler is a mentor and fiddle instructor.

Sisters Katie, left, and Vivian Gallagher, of Portland, share tips on how to hold a bow Sunday at the 44th annual East Benton Fiddlers Convention and Contest.

The East Benton Fiddlers Convention and Contest was founded by Shirley Littlefield, and the family has carried it on since her death in 2004. Here are generations of the Littlefield family gathering Sunday at the start of East Benton Fiddlers Convention and Contest.

Fiddling is a family affair for Maisie Newell, her daughter Dixie and sister Helen on Sunday at the East Benton Fiddlers Convention and Contest.

Owen Kennedy, of Winthrop, plays his fiddle under the tent Sunday at the East Benton Fiddlers Convention and Contest.