By Shelby Hartin
Student Intern
The annual Island Falls Co-Ed Horseshoe Tourney is set to take place on Sunday, Aug. 11, and like previous years, it will act as a fundraiser for local causes and local people.
“Bob Smith started the tournament because his mother [Joyce] used to be part of the [Island Falls] food pantry and he wanted to do something in her memory when she passed away. The first year, all of the donations went toward the food pantry in her name,” Richard Lane, Jr., organizer of the event explained of its beginnings.
“Then [Smith] had me take it over and we continued to do it in memory of someone who had passed away,” Lane explained.
The first couple years of the horseshoe tournament under Lane’s direction proceeded in this manner, but after a friend of his passed from bone marrow cancer, Lane decided to alter the event’s direction.
“This will be my fourth year, and this year, half the proceeds are going to the food pantry and the other half go to buy gas cards for those undergoing cancer treatments,” Lane explained.
The horseshoe tournament has succeeded in raising funds for locals undergoing cancer treatments who must bear the burden of heavy traveling costs. Lane believed that this would be a helpful way to assist local patients because of the rising costs of fuel.
Enthusiastic participation from residents and tourists alike has allowed Lane to make various contributions to those in need.
“It’s a co-ed event made of teams of two, and last year we had 17 teams, which is 34 people. We even have had tourists staying at [Vacationland Estates Resort in Island Falls] come out and play and they’ve had a great time,” Lane continued.
The event is made possible by donations of food to sell at the event and items for the raffle that takes place throughout the day.
Local businesses in areas ranging from Island Falls to Sherman donate items to raffle off, including, but not limited to, pizza from Bishop’s Market in Island Falls, tanning sessions from local salon owners, a variety of signs and clothing items from local beer vendors, and gift certificates to the Taste of China in Houlton.
“We draw out prizes every 15 minutes,” Lane explained of the raffling process.
The trophies, which are awarded at the end of the tournament for those placing in first, second, and third, are also provided through the donations of local business owners Dave Gordon and Pat Hunt.
The event will take place at the Island Falls VFW where registration is from 10:30-11 a.m. and there is a $5 entry fee. Lane also asks those attending the event to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the Island Falls food pantry.
For more information or questions about the event, call Lane at (207) 694-4604.
