By Dan Hardenbrook
The Cabin Fever Cornhole Tournament, the largest fundraiser for the Newberry High School and American Legion Summer Baseball programs, will return on Saturday, February 18 at the American Legion Post 74.
The event features two-person teams competing in a double elimination bracket style tournament. The top teams from the tournament will receive cash prizes and other generous prizes will be awarded to teams that compete.
Registration is $40 per team for players age 13 and up. Teams may have one player under the age of 13 with an adult.
Register by February 15 at the Newberry News, American Legion Post 74, WNBY, or mail a registration form to Newberry Legion Baseball, 5866 N CR 405, Newberry MI 49868.
Registration forms are available at all three drop off points, Rahilly’s IGA, Mac’s Market, Pickelman’s Total One Stop, or by visiting the 9th Annual Cabin Fever Cornhole Tournament Facebook page.
The baseball programs will host a day of fun and activities that the public is invited to participate in even if they aren’t playing in the tournament. There will be 50/50 drawings, a silent auction, raffles, and a full concession on site with burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips, and drinks. The American Legion will also have the bar open during the event.
The event was started by longtime Newberry Baseball Coach Jason Tokar, who saw the rise in popularity of cornhole to fund a program that was essentially on its own.
The high school baseball team has long been self-funded, and the Cabin Fever Cornhole Tournament is a major reason why baseball continues to exist in Newberry. The programs are faced with rising costs including umpire fees, game balls, field supplies and materials, and upgrading equipment that may no longer be certified due to changing regulations.
All proceeds from the event will be used for necessary items needed during the season that are shared between the High School Varsity and Legion teams. The Newberry baseball program is a co-op between Newberry and Engadine.
The tournament was cancelled in 2021 and 2022 due to COVID.
For more information on the 9th Annual Cabin Fever Cornhole Tournament, visit the event Facebook page, call Jason Tokar at (906) 440-1348 or Dan Hardenbrook at (906) 450-2750.