Bocce on the Village Green

<< Back to archives | Saturday, June 18, 2005

A little rain - a smattering of drizzzle - is taken in stride in our Pacific Northwest. The 2nd Annual Bowler Hat Bocce Ball Tournament started today at 9:15 am with 16 teams - and everyone showed up to play.

Trying to throw nearest the white pallino ball. Bocce is a fun game that all can play on an equal basis with equal chance to win. Old, young, in shape, out of shape, athletic, not exactly athletic - it seems to matter not. Throwing a ball down the grass is a pretty universal ability. The fun is the competition.

The gentlemen held umbrellas for the ladies. Here, Taimi of the Ladies of the Evening Society is watching her throw down the grass - hoping for the best. While Dirty Dan himself keeps the rain off her outfit. We thank Fairhaven artist Rick Bulman for this photo.



Referees did a great job. Sal Vacca held his own umbrella. On the right is referee Lee Kincaid. With referee Joan Logghe, they volunteered their time for the tournament and ran the games very smoothly.

Tim Villhauer, of Fairhaven’s Edward Jones Financial Services office, organized and managed this year’s tournament. This is a once-a-year tournament and draws many of the folks who enjoy bocce games on the Village Green during the rest of the year. Businesses sponsor teams for $100 each, with proceeds going to beautification of the Village Green and Historic Fairhaven.

Anyone can check out the bocce court and balls from Village Books - leaving a personal id card for security - and set up a pickup game on the Green most anytime the bookstore is open.

Smiles. Janet and Allison favor us with winning smiles. Great hat, Janet! The Bocce tournament encourages fun dress items - bowler hats, suspenders, 1890s dresses, straw hats, etc - for participants and spectators.

Winning style. Mary, of The Gardens at Padden Creek team, throws during the final round played with the Lawn Jockeys team, sponsored by Lanny Little, during the final round of the tournament. Mary’s team won the final round and the tournament.

The Bowler Hat trophy is shared by the teammates of The Gardens at Padden Creek. From left: Dave Hall, Thom Bartl, Rob Buchholz and Mary Cragin. Mary is the owner of the Gardens and the sponsor of the team.

This bronze trophy - which is on display in Fairhaven year round - will have her business name engraved on the plaque. Each team member received a smaller version of the bowler hat - which is an exact replica of the one on the statue of Dan on the Village Green. Congrats Mary and team! Next year, you get to defend your title.

Check the Annual events planner page for information on next year’s tournament - and other fun events in Fairhaven. Plan to attend next year’s tournament - maybe sponsor a team. We are planning now for a bigger event and fun additions to it.

At New Location - 1307 11th

Across street from Skylarks. More seating, including outside tables. Now open for lunch every day except Mondays.

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