A fall cornhole league will start next month on September 11 at the Strongheart gym in Peshawbestown. The league is set to begin its second official season, with everyone welcomed to come down, participate, and win some cash prizes.
David Anderson, a Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians’ (GTB) member and the cornhole league organizer, said he’s excited to start the games back up again after a shorter season last year. There were about 24 people total that participated on teams in December, but this year, Anderson hopes more will decide to join in on the fun. Much of the same rules apply this year like in the previous season, with Anderson noting that partners are chosen by the luck-ofthe- draw. “Everybody is welcome, so the more we get, the better it is,” Anderson said. “Just come on down and have fun. We will finish just before Thanksgiving, hopefully we won’t have snow days that early.”
People will toss small bean bags from 27 feet away at targets on inclined wooden platforms during the game, where they will have one partner on their team throughout the nine week-long season. In the ninth week, there will be a final tournament for the cash jackpot. Players will typically get four games every Wednesday evening they meet, with breaks in between before going against different teams to mix up matches. Cornhole sessions are about an hour long, with the first person to get to 21 points winning the game.
The games are casual, and people are encouraged to bring dishes along with them to share with others who attend. The cost for the total nine week season is $40 per player, and Anderson said there are 50/25/25 tickets available for prize money.
“So you would throw four bags, and if you make one, you get 25%... If you make all four, then you win the jackpot, and we’ll just start right over the next week,” he explained. “If your number’s drawn, then you get a chance to win it, so you get four shots to at least take a quarter of it (the jackpot).”
Anderson said his favorite part about organizing the cornhole league is seeing everyone having a good time and being active while sober. The Strongheart Center is a drug and alcohol free establishment, making it a healthy option to get out and be active with others that want to do the same. No previous experience is needed to play, just a willingness to have fun for an hour once a week.
“I’ve seen more people smile and have fun sober here than when we’re out playing somewhere else,” he said. “This is more like if you haven’t played, this is a good chance to come out and get used to playing around different people. Just like in any sport, you have to start knowing everybody and seeing how everybody is before you get comfortable. It’s just a good learning experience and it’s just to have fun.”
For more information about how to get involved, people can contact Anderson at 231-866-1235.
