New for the 2010 Checkers Tournament.

Gamers and visitors alike can participate in a free trivia contest about "The Andy Griffith Show."  Contestants must first take a multiple choice test and those who get a passing grade will be able to participate in the contest for cash prizes.

 

For more information on the Checkers Tournament, please read the information below and see the sample registration form at the bottom of this page.  Registration begins promptly at 9 a.m., Saturday,  July 24, 2010.

 

2007 POSTER:

2^ND ANNUAL

Piney Woods Checkers

Tournament

Friday, July 20, 6 p.m.

at Third Friday Night on Zebulon square

Saturday, July 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.,

Sunday, July 22, 2 – 5 p.m. (if necessary)

at New Hebron Baptist Church

570 New Hebron Church Road, northwest of Concord

3 Divisions: Men, Women,

Youth (up to age 15)

 

Cash prizes for first place

 

FREE admission for SPECTATORS

 

ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE AT

THE LIBRARY, CONCORD CAFÉ

OR BY CALLING

7 7 0 – 5 6 7 – 4 1 1 3

~     ~     ~     ~     ~     ~     ~

Piney Woods, a peaceful expanse of pine thickets and hay fields between the flat shoals of the Flint River and the abandoned road bed of a once vital train route, still retain its link with the past and the urgency to preserve what time and technology may soon erase.  A modest rural church, New Hebron Baptist, sets architecturally brushed against a backdrop of sturdy pines and enjoys a vista of rolling pastures verdant with hay.  The fellowship was chartered in 1907 and current meeting house was built the following year by the community efforts of farmers and merchants.

Within distance of an audible train whistle, the town of Concord exceeds anyone’s expectation for enjoying the ambience of a by-gone era in the 21^st century.  Once considered a bustling commercial spot in Pike County, Concord has preserved buildings of the late 19^th and early 20^th century which housed prominent businesses.  The Strickland Store is being renovated as a community center, though the ghosts which linger from its genesis provoke many to honor nostalgia.  Its essence still permeates the sweet memories of some seasoned citizens.

New Hebron Baptist, in an attempt to invoke the historical ambience of the Strickland Store, is proud to host the Piney Woods Checkers Tournament.  There will be three divisions: Youth (no minimum through age 15), Women (16 and older) and Men (16 and older).  There is a nominal processing fee of $1 per entry, payable on the first day of the tournament.

To advance to succeeding rounds, a gamer is required to win three games against one opponent in one set.  There is a maximum of seven games per set to allow for ties.  For rounds ending with odd number of gamers, a wild-card position will be selected among losing gamers.

Qualifying, quarterfinal, semifinal and a portion of the final rounds will be played beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday at New Hebron Baptist.  Following Saturday’s play, if games remain to determine the winners in all three divisions, they will be played beginning at 2 p.m. at New Hebron on Sunday afternoon.  The winner of the women’s division will then challenge and play the men’s champion in a 5-game set to find the ultimate champion.

Cash prizes will be awarded for all first place winners.  Place ribbons will be awarded for runners-up in every category.

The tournament will be open to public spectators with an informal arena at the church where the public is permitted to mingle among the gamers and enjoy available seating.  Special refreshments of cheese, crackers, salted peanuts, moon pies and ice-bath bottled sodas will be provided for a nominal fee to all gamers.  Bag or basket lunches are permitted.

The final rounds of the tournament at the church will be open to the public [seating restricted to the pews] to watch tournament play as it occurs on the raised platform of the church historic pulpit.  Accommodations will be made to enhance the view of tournament play in the pulpit.

Consumption of food and drink during Sunday’s finals, as necessary, will be prohibited, but light refreshments will be served after the announcement of all winners.

Thank you for participating.  We look forward to seeing you.

        Dwain W. Penn, Preacher