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Date: 1/27/2022
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Bringing some summer fun to the cold winter months, the West Springfield Park and Recreation Department is hosting a winter league for “bags,” the game known to some as “cornhole.”
Sonia Manley, recreation supervisor, said the league will run on Wednesday and Friday evenings from the first week of February through April 1.
Manley said the league was created in 2018 by “Scary” Mary Higgins, who died in 2020. Higgins started the league because she wanted to introduce residents to the game.
Since its establishment, Manley said they have seen successful turnouts year after year, aside from the pandemic canceling the 2021 league. At first, games only took place on Friday nights, but growing interest prompted the addition of Wednesdays.
Games take place at the UNICO Building in Mittineague Park, off Westfield Street (Route 20). The league fee is $50 per team, with a maximum of four players per team. Only two players can play in any given round. All players must be 18 years or older, said Manley.
The cost covers the renting of the UNICO Building, with game boards and bags provided.
Although the event is open to everyone, regardless of residency in town, each league is limited to 24 teams. At press time, Manley said the Friday night league was almost full, but there are plenty of spots still available for Wednesday. She predicted both leagues “will fill fast.”
Each Wednesday and Friday, games begin at 6:30 p.m. Manley said the Wednesday night league is “more recreational,” whereas Friday night is a little “more competitive.” Nonetheless, Manley said the league is an “introduction to bags,” and is all about “playing and having fun.”
Each night, players are guaranteed a minimum of three rounds, however, if the games finish quickly, then they may have time to play a fourth.
Throughout the league, players keep track of their scores from each game.
Teams with more than two players are encouraged to rotate through their roster to make sure everyone plays. As the purpose of this league is to instruct and have fun, Manley said the winner will receive “bragging rights.”
She encourages folks to give the league a try and “see if you like it,” as it’s “total recreation.”
When the warm weather returns, a summer bags league will be offered at the Morgan Road Pavilion. Manley said this seasonal league has also been successful in years past.
To register for the winter bags league or for more information, visit www.wsparkandrec.com. Registrations can also be taken by mail or at the Town Hall drop box.