Sparta Education Foundation to hold first ‘Cornament’ in September

The Sparta Education Foundation will hold its first-ever cornhole tournament fundraiser, open to all ages, on Sunday, Sept. 20.

The “Cornament” will presented by Rev It Up Automotive of Sparta and will be held at the Sparta VFW Post #7248 on 66 Main Street. Check-in begins at 10 a.m., and bags will be thrown at 11 a.m. during this Double Elimination competition. Teams of two can sign up now for $50 per team at SEFcornament.com.

Cornhole is a lawn game in which players take turns throwing beanbags at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. A bag in the hole scores three points, while one on the board scores one point. Play continues until a team or player reaches or exceeds the score of 21 by means of cancellation scoring.

Whether you are 8 or 80, anyone can throw a beanbag. There will be a cash prize for the winning team, plus a 50/50 drawing and a raffle for two Adirondack chairs and a table donated by Pelican Ski Shops.

“The SEF Cornament is a perfect outdoor activity that can be done safely; it’s a fun family event that supports a great cause because it raises money for the SEF, which in turn funds educational grants at all five public schools in the district,” said Heather Egli, co-chair of the Cornament. “We will follow all the latest recommendations, including setting up cornhole boards at socially distant intervals and making sure all Covid guidelines are being practiced, to make sure it’s a safety-conscious and enjoyable event for all.”

Co-chair Andy Garger said that “while the SEF Cornament is all about friendly competition, it’s also an especially important fundraiser for the SEF as we navigate the new world of Covid. Unfortunately we had to cancel our Dragon Boat Festival for 2020, which is one of our major fundraisers. We are focused on raising significant funds at the SEF Cornament to continue our mission of supporting our public schools with innovative educational grants.”

In addition to the competing cornhole teams, there will be live music, a cash bar, food for sale, and even corn-themed treats like popcorn and corn chip tacos.

Since 2006, the Sparta Education Foundation has funded over $1,133,899 in grants to all five of Sparta’s public schools. The Foundation is an all-volunteer, independent, nonprofit corporation whose mission is to engage the entire community in philanthropic giving. Visit spartaeducationfoundation.org for more information about joining or volunteering.

For more information about the inaugural SEF Cornament or to sign up your team, visit SEFcornament.com or go to the Sparta Education Foundation’s website or Facebook page.