DECATUR -- Sixteen teams participated in the first-ever cornhole tournament at the 66th Annual Decatur Barbecue. Originally planned to be held at Memorial Park, the tournament was moved to the community room at Decatur City Hall. There, teams of two worked to knock each other out of the double-elimination tournament and advance to the championship.
The first- and second-place teams received $120 and $80, respectively. The first-place team received a set of grilling utensils, while the second-place team received a set of barbecue spices.
Teams could register beforehand by contacting Bobbi Barnes, or they could register the day of the barbecue by visiting the signup tent. Each team paid $25 to enter. Fifty percent of all money raised went to the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. The remaining 50 percent was awarded to the first- and second-place teams, with the first-place team receiving 60 percent of the remaining amount. At the end of the day, the Chamber of Commerce raised $200 for itself.
Cornhole, also known as baggo, is a common fixture at family events, holidays and parties during the summer, making it a fitting addition to the barbecue theme. In the game, players from each team take turns tossing four corn-filled bags underhanded toward the opposite board. Bags that land and stay on the board receive one point, while bags that pass through the hole in the board receive three points. After each turn, points are assigned based on net gain. The first team to reach or pass 21 points wins.
The event was orchestrated by Bobbi Barnes, who designed the tournament bracket and tracked the outcome of each matchup.
Teams ranged in age and ability. Contestants came from all over the two-state region, with teams from Decatur, Gravette and Oaks, Okla. Each team also had a name, such as Mario and Luigi, Lil Rascals or The Legends.
The competition started at 3 p.m. Corn bags were tossed through the air until 6:30 p.m. when a champion was crowned.
The winning team was The Tribe, a pair of friends from Oaks, Okla. Composed of Bob Bailou and Howard Gritts, The Tribe won the championship match, 21-7.
Composed of friends Billy Vann and Al Davis, the Keetoowah Misfits came in second.
Sports on 08/07/2019