RICH LAKE - Cornhole fanatics from near and far will converge on Rich Lake June 17 to show off their athletic prowess. There might be a few ‘bean-bag-toss’ fans there too.
The tournament is returning to the Rich Lake Agricultural Grounds for its second go-round, says Lotus Plamondon, a game enthusiast who is part of a local group that decided to host the event as a way of bringing people together for a fun-filled weekend.
“We had a great response last year, with a total of 24 teams and plenty of excitement,” she told Lakeland This Week.
Despite having a somewhat quirky and perhaps silly name, she says the great sport of cornhole runs with stringent rules that participants are duty-bound to obey. Working in teams of two, opponents armed with beanbags filled with corn and sand face down each — from 27 feet apart —standing next to a ‘target’ board that has a hole cut into it. At the end of each throwing round, bags remaining on the board earn a team one point, while those who are talented enough to get the bag into the hole are awarded with three points. The process of tossing bags back and forth continues until one of the teams score 21 points.
“Every team is guaranteed four games,” Plamondon said, adding that the top cash prize for the winning team — depending on entries — is about $140.
Toss a bag, toss back a brew
For those who need a break from all that playing, there will be a beer garden set up on site, along with concessions selling a variety of tasty foods.
Camping will also be available around the Rich Lake hall. Players must be 14 years of age or older to play in the event, so there will be plenty of preoccupations for families with younger kids, including and inflatable obstacle course and other activities. The Lac La Biche County Park and Play Fun Van will also be making an appearance.
The tournament wraps up Sunday morning with a Father’s Day breakfast. Camping is free during the weekend, and the tournament also features a raffle with items generously donated by several local businesses.
“We have had great support from the community,” she stated. “Some of the items donated by local companies include a propane pizza oven from IGA, a fishing rod from Lac La Biche Sporting Goods, and a cast iron Dutch oven from UFA.”
While cornhole may be a long way from attaining the status of an Olympic sport, Plamondon says that the game has become quite popular in rural regions.
“Cornhole is easy to set up, fun to play, especially during backyard barbecues and while camping, and you always get bragging rights when you win,” she smirked. “I’m looking forward to the tournament.”
There is a $40 entry fee for teams. Proceeds from the rain-or-shine outdoor event will go towards the Rich Lake hall building fund.
More details can be found at the Rich Lake Recreation and Ag Society social media pages.
