Homer McLain joined Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers’ Association (OOTFA) in 1971 as one of the earliest members of District 1. When he moved his family to Lakeview he started District 1E. He was known and loved for his wonderful and constant smile, beautiful songs and legendary friendships. Lew Holt was quoted saying “I don’t believe any one person in our organization has spread the joy of fiddling more than Homer McLain. He shared his music, his smile, his time and his home.” Bill Yohey said “Homer was the most loved fiddler in all of Oregon”. Homer was a left-handed fiddle player and loved to perform wearing humorous hats!
The Homer McLain Award was created and is sponsored by the McLain Family to keep Homer’s spirit alive. Each year the award is presented to the person who personifies Homer’s love of music, his sense of humor and courtesy to others. Being a musician is not a requirement.
Past recipients
| Year | Recipient | Hometown | District |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Judy McGarvey | Medford | 4 |
| 2004 | Myrtle Arnold | Portland | 7 |
| 2005 | Hal Weiner | Florence | 5 |
| 2006 | Lew & Alice Holt | Salem | 8 |
| 2007 | |||
| 2008 | |||
| 2009 | |||
| 2010 | Ila Mae Carmickle | Eugene | 6 |
| 2011 | Phyllis Coffin | Elmira | 6 |
| 2012 | Arthur Bigelow | Shady Cove | 4 |
| 2013 | Ruel Teague | Burns | 9 |
| 2014 | Darla Knudsen | Junction City | 6 |
| 2015 | Bob & Jean Hanson | Sutherlin | 10 |
| 2016 | Phil & Sheila Fry | Keno | 1 |
| 2017 | Paula Sanders | Sweet Home | 6 |
| 2018 | Janet Brayman | Burns | 9 |
| 2019 | Roger Germundson | Portland, Posthumously | 7 |
| 2020 | Jack Kerr | Prineville | 3 |
| 2021 | Joyce & Rick Bergerson | Portland | 7 |
| 2022 | Ruth Weyer | North Bend | 5 |
| 2023 | Jerry & Linda Parks | Lebanon | 6 |
| 2024 | Ken Luse | Eugene | 6 |
| 2025 | Dennis Wills | Salem | 8 |
| 2026 | Linda Danielson | Eugene | 6 |