BRATTLEBORO — The deadline for early bird registrations is fast approaching for “Cornstock: Cornhole for a Cause!” according to organizers at Youth Services.
For the inaugural year of this new fundraiser, Youth Services is offering space on Saturday, May 21, for 12 teams to play this popular lawn game every hour, between noon and 5 p.m., on the Farmhouse Square at Retreat Farm on Route 30.
Each team must have a minimum of four players. For those unfamiliar with the game, players take turns tossing corn bags at an inclined platform (board), aiming to sink the bag through a hole in the board. Players alternate until a team or player reaches a score of 21.
While the event is certain to attract seasoned players, Youth Services welcomes participants of all levels and will have cornhole “coaches” available to give pointers and scoring options.
“Interested players should let us know their preferred times by signing up online as soon as possible or calling our Cornstock registrar,” Russell Bradbury-Carlin, Youth Services' executive director, said in a news release.
“Even if you still need to firm up a player's name or email address, let us lock in a time that works for you. Registering this week improves the odds that you can play when you want, and there will be a greater likelihood that we can locate you alongside friends or colleagues during the same play window,” Bradbury-Carlin added.
Bradbury-Carlin clarified that Cornstock is not a tournament per se, though participants are welcome to compete with friends during their hour as they wish. All prizes awarded by Youth Services are incentive prizes for fundraising, with the goal of raising $20,000 for Youth Services.
Donated services, restaurant gift cards, and activities encourage participants to try to break $250, $500, $1,000 or $5,000 levels of sponsorship by using email and social media to raise funds. There will be special prizes for the top fundraiser and top fundraising team of the day. If fundraising isn't “your thing,” there is also the option to pay $25 and skip the fundraising.
Beyond playing cornhole, there is cheering on the cornhole matches, live musical entertainment, food trucks, the Thirsty Goat Pub, and the Creemie Stand for a $5 per person suggested donation at the gate.
For players, the registration fee doubles to $50 per person on the day of the event, if space is available. For more information or to register a team of four or more, visit youthservicesinc.org/cornstock or email [email protected] or call registrar Kim Bonnette at 802-257-0361, ext. 131.