Cornhole @ the Shrine

No, this is not a picture of the actual event. Due to brotherly vows and other such codes of secrecy, I never take pictures of Shrine related events unless its a parade. But tonight was the long awaited Cornhole tournament at the Dare County Shrine Club, a fundraiser for our ladies companion club, the Shrinettes. (Note to Gloria Steinem--I didn't name this group and I apologize if it perpetuates stereotypes of women).

The best cornholers from Roanoke Island and points beyond (Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, even Currituck) showed up for a sport that, as a kid, we referred to as simply 'beanbag toss". Where and how it came to its current moniker is a mystery, and I hope it remains so.

The game, as played hereabouts, involves teams of two pitted against each other. One player from each side occupies one end of the field, and the object is to toss your beanbag such that it either lands and rests upon the gently sloping board (1 pont) or goes through the hole (3 points). The catch is that the score is netted. Thus, if player A gets one in the hole (3 pts) and player B lands three on the board (1 pt each for 3 total points) the score is net zero and neither teams scores a point. Of course, since players at each end alternate between teams, one can knock the opponents bag off the board, or push one of your already landed bags into the hole. Obviously, you can also screw up and knock your opponents bag into the hole or knock your own bag off the board. The game is played to 21.

The mechanics of the toss vary to the point where each player displays a different method. Some lay the bag flat in the palm and toss "softball" like towards the target board. Others pinch the extra fabric on the top of bag and toss. Some use a looping trajectory similar to a "granny" shot in hoops from the foul line, others use a more flattened trajectory and try to slide the bag into the hole. Some bags spin end over end, some side to side, some tumble not at all.

As is customary among the Masonic brotherhood, no one really took the game seriously and not a soul got mad at his or her partner if they failed to score a point. About 100 pounds of Boston butts were on the grill, paired with beans and cole slaw. The warm weather allowed several cigars to be consumed out of doors, including a nice Cuban Cohiba supplied from an unnamed source. As with all Cuban Cohiba's, it was perfect.

The event was PR'd on Dixie 105.7 and we hope many, many more of you turn out next year.