Raising funds to help veterans: Poplar Bluff Marine Corps League Cornhole Tournament

Raising funds to help veterans is the Poplar Bluff Marine Corps League’s goal for the Cornhole Tournament on Saturday at the American Legion Post 153, 2320 Kanell Blvd.

The tournament “is a fundraiser for the Marine Corps League, which means all veterans,” said Jesse Wells, the league’s past commandant. “We have an account set aside to help veterans in need of emergency assistance.”

The league helps pay electric bills, or buy gas, workboots or groceries.

Wells said, “The money also goes to our general fund account, which helps us frequently do fundraisers for other organizations.”

The event is open to everyone. The entry fee is $30 per team.

Team sign-ups will begin at 11 a.m. The competition, which will follow American Cornhole League rules, starts at 1 p.m.

Players may bring their own bags or house bags will be available.

First place will receive 50% of the entry fees. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third places.

A kids’ tournament will also be held.

“We are having a kids’ tournament for 14 and under,” Wells said. “That’s a new thing we started this year. We’re hoping to get more kiddies out there and have them learn the game of cornhole from the professionals.”

A 50/50 drawing and an airmail challenge will be held.

Airmail challenge is part of the cornhole game where it’s harder to throw into, said Wells, chuckling and adding, “I’m not a cornhole professional. It’s not the board. It’s just one hole and you try to make it. “

The Airmail Challenge tests the competitor’s ability to “deliver the mail.” It’s a simple contest where getting it in the hole is the only thing that counts.

The Legion Post is hosting the event and will provide food and drinks for a charge, Wells said,

Anyone with questions may contact commandant Brian Burlingame at 949-466-6977 or Wells at 573-344-3511.