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Date: 7/19/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – The West Springfield Lions Club will host an inaugural cornhole tournament on Aug. 14 in an effort to create a family fun day and raise money for their organization.
The cornhole tournament, located at the pavilion behind the Irish Cultural Center, 429 Morgan Rd.,, is a double elimination tournament. The tournament will begin at 12 p.m., and last for the majority of the day.
In past years, the Big E has always been the Lions Club’s biggest fundraiser. Due to the uncertainty of this year's Big E, John LaDue, president of the Lions Club, said they began planning the cornhole tournament back in February.
LaDue said, “It’s a whole day’s event.” During the tournament, the Lions Club will be offering food for sale including hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos and pulled pork sandwiches, along with beer, soda and water.
“People can either come and watch the cornhole tournament, participate if you want, and get food to eat,” said LaDue.
The cornhole tournament costs $40 per team. Each team consists of two people. LaDue explained that there will be two divisions of the tournament – a “pro” division, and a “backyard” division. The pros will consist of people who play competitively, often, and/or at other tournaments, whereas the backyard division will consist of those who play occasionally at a party or for fun.
There will be winners in each of the divisions. The first place winner of the pros will receive a $250 prize and second place will receive $100. For the backyard division, the first place winner will receive a $50 prize.
LaDue said there will be a 50/50 raffle along with additional raffles. Currently, LaDue is working on getting Red Sox tickets, along with a set of cornhole boards and more for prize winners.
Following the tournament, LaDue said, “The event is capped off at night with a concert.”
From 6 to 9 p.m., Gentleman Jack Band will be playing for event-goers in the same location. There is no cost to watch the band.
LaDue encourages people to sign up for the tournament ahead of time so that the Lions Club will be able to prepare brackets properly. They are hoping to have about 40 teams in total.
LaDue extends his gratitude to People’s Bank for sponsoring this year’s event. “They gave us some money to offset our costs,” he said.
To register for the cornhole tournament, visit the West Springfield Lions Club official Facebook page or their website at https://www.westspringfieldlionsclub.org.