DANVILLE -- Walk down Mill Street past any hotel stashing iron workers and migrating canawlers, and you would hear the sounds of a hard-working generation.

The backdrop of fiddlers passing time is a long-forgotten treat, last being heard 150 years ago when Danville was a bustling iron-making town and canal port. Alas, the score of Danville's iron industry returns this week with the first-ever fiddling contest Saturday as part of the Iron Heritage Festival celebration.

"Fiddling is very traditional and is at the heart of Danville's iron history," said Rich Pawling, a historian who will serve as the master of ceremonies for the fiddle contest. "The fiddle got to America by way of different ethnic groups emigrating from Europe, particularly Scotland and Ireland. The Irish have always been known for their fiddling ability."

Pawling said the contest should evoke some historical images of coal miners and iron workers enjoying the fiddle and a cold beverage after a long day of work.

"The music came from their hearts," Pawling said. "A lot of guys who worked in the coal mines often got injured. Some were injured so badly, like losing a leg, they couldn't go back to the mine. What did they do?

"They picked up their fiddle and go from patch (small mining villages) to patch sitting outside the tavern playing their tunes. There were a lot of bars right outside the mills, and right there with them were the fiddlers."

Pawling promises there will be plenty of moving and shaking on stage and in the crowd for the contest, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Danville Middle School auditorium. Admission is $5 at the door.

"What else was there to do back then on a Saturday night?" Pawling said. "When the mill shut down and the canal lock closed, it was party time. Hey fellas, let's get the fiddle out, and bring the guitar and harmonica. Let's rattle some bones."

Prize money will be awarded to the top three fiddlers. The fiddling contest is sponsored by Geisinger Health System.

Entry forms and rules for the contest are available at the Iron Heritage Company Store, 316 Mill St., or at www.ironheritagefestival.net.

E-mail comments to jnorth@thedanvillenews.com.