In Plattsmouth, Nebraska, the simple yet captivating sport of Cornhole has found its champion in Chanel Hill. Under her stewardship, the 3rd Annual Harvest Cornhole Tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike.
Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, is a lawn game that has its roots in Midwestern American culture, although similar games have been played globally for centuries. Players take turns tossing corn-filled bags at a raised platform that has a hole at the far end. The objective is to get the bags into the hole or at least land them on the platform. The game gained significant traction in the early 21st century in the United States, evolving from a casual backyard game to a competitive sport with official organizations like the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) and the American Cornhole League (ACL). These organizations have formalized the rules, sponsored tournaments, and even secured broadcasting deals, thereby elevating the sport’s status.
The Genesis of the Tournament in Plattsmouth
“It all started when I was approached by Nancy Johnson,” Chanel recalls, reflecting on the birth of the tournament three years ago. Nancy, who was involved in the Harvest Festival, knew of Chanel’s knack for organizing tournaments and reached out to her. The partnership proved to be fruitful, with the Cornhole tournament now being a much-anticipated fixture of the annual Harvest Festival.
A Game for All Ages
Chanel is particularly proud of Cornhole’s universal appeal, noting that anyone can play the game. “My father-in-law, who is 79, loves to play,” she shares. This broad appeal has resulted in a diverse array of participants: “We have had players as young as 12 all the way up to players in their 70s,” adds Chanel.
What’s New in 2023
“The only change this year is that participants can bring their own bags,” Chanel states. Aside from this minor adjustment, the rules of the tournament remain steadfast. “It’s a race to 21 and double elimination,” she confirms, ensuring continuity and fairness in the game.
Community Embrace
The residents of Plattsmouth have shown overwhelming support for the tournament. “The community is great; lots of people come to watch and support the players,” says Chanel. Although local businesses haven’t been formally involved in the organizing, they do contribute in their own way. “The Waterhole sets up a makeshift bar by the sign-in table for players to purchase limited drinks,” she reveals.
Fair Play and Sportsmanship
Chanel and her team are vigilant when it comes to maintaining the integrity of the game. “In the few years we have done it, we have never had a discrepancy. We go over the rules before the game, and then if there are any issues during play, they consult me,” she assures.
The Allure of the Prize
Prizes do play a role in elevating the excitement of the tournament. “We do a cash payout, and the amount depends on how many teams sign up to play,” Chanel explains. This variable prize fund adds an extra layer of competitive intrigue to the proceedings.
A Spectrum of Teams
According to Chanel, the tournament brings in a wide range of participants. “We get lots of returning locals that come to play. We have teams that don’t play very much but come out to support; we have people that play regularly for fun, and then a handful of teams not from Omaha that play in quite a few tournaments,” she elaborates.
Smooth Operations
In terms of logistics, everything seems to run seamlessly. “None really, knock on wood, everything has run pretty smoothly,” Chanel admits. This is a testament to the meticulous planning that goes into making each tournament a success.
The Road Ahead
When asked about future plans, Chanel is optimistic. “We will continue to host the Harvest Cornhole Tournament. I also do a tournament each year for my daughter’s softball team. Last year my husband and I started a Cass County Cornhole league; it has become pretty popular as we have maxed out on teams,” she divulges.
Conclusion
Under Chanel Hill’s guidance, Plattsmouth’s 3rd Annual Harvest Cornhole Tournament has evolved into much more than a game; it’s a community event that brings people together across all age groups. Mark your calendars for this year’s competition on Friday, September 8, 2023. Whether you’re a Cornhole aficionado or a complete beginner, Chanel’s tournament promises a day of fun, community, and healthy competition.
