Last weekend, in addition to Mineral Ave. being closed for the chainsaw carving championship, part of 4th street was closed off too, for the Elks first annual corn hole tournament.
The event featured four regulation size corn hole courts, additional games set up for kids and other spectators, a vendor fair, and corn based foods for purchase including corn chili and mini corn dogs.
Nine teams joined the tournament this year in spite of the wind, sprinkles and cloudy skies. The teams battled it out in a double elimination bracket from noon until almost 3:30 when the final points were scored in a game that was neck and neck.
The event was planned by Darryl Pfeifer who told The Montanian that the Elks were happy with the turnout. They’ve been needing a pickup like the event to help get the lodge going stronger.
“We appreciate everyone who participated,” Pfeifer said. “Hopefully we can build on it for next time.”
The Elks are a fraternal organization that promote charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity. Started in 1868 in New York City, they are non-political, non-sectarian, and strictly American spending over $80 million annually to benefit benevolent, educational and patriotic programs.
To learn more visit their website at https://www.elks.org/lodges/contactus.cfm?LodgeNumber=2231
From left to right: Mike Gherke and Allan Olson, the third place team. Levi Myslicki and Matt McLain, the second place team. Will Sarbaum and Jamie Eckart, the winning team. Photo by Tracy McNew, The Montanian.