Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championship Assn in Kimberley, BC

The International Old Time Accordion Championship Assn in Kimberley, British Columbia is promoted as the greatest accordion show on the planet.The Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championship Assn (KIOTAC) was designated in 1993 and 1999 as the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association.

In October 1997 it was awarded  "The People's Choice Award" by the Kimberley Restaurant Coalition at the Bavarian Society Chamber of Commerce Award Dinner. In 1997 it received another award, the Gordon Wilder Memorial Award. The Gordon Wilder Memorial Award was presented for significant achievement in the tourism industry in the BC Rockies Region.

Competitors in the Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championship Assn can be of any age. Even children 18 and under can compete. Children 18 or under can compete for a bursary. Application for the bursary is simple and involves the standard entry form and a letter explaining why the applicant thinks he or she qualifies for the money.

There are about 27 competitor categories. Entry fees vary. Some of the children's competitions involve no entry fee. Most of the other categories cost $10 to enter.

The largest entry fee is $25 for the biggest category, the Happy Hans. This category is open to all contestants, regardless of age, and has a $1500 first prize. Second prize is $600 and third prize is $400.

Prizes are typically between $150 and $300 for first place, $100 to $250 for second place and $75 to $150 for third place. Rewards for winning some of the children's competitions involve receiving a trophy.