Cornhole Tournament brings the city agencies together

BY Aprile McKinnon

Who would have thought a competitive game of tossing bean bags would be the excuse for bringing Canyon Lake service agencies together for some bonding and camaraderie?

Canyon Lake firefighters, Sheriff deputies, city council members and POA directors participated in a friendly day of cornhole competition on Saturday at Sierra Park.

The Canyon Lake POA came away the victor of the first City of Canyon Lake Cornhole Championship.

The Canyon Lake POA’s Jorge Casteneda, left, and Bill Van Vleet celebrate after winning the 2023 City of Canyon Lake Cornhole Championship at Sierra Park Saturday. The pair didn’t lose a match on their way to the championship. Photo provided by Canyon Lake Property Owners Association.

The event was put on by Donna Ritchie and sponsored by Daisy Dukez, Patriotic Arms, Sweet Home Off Blue Bird, and the Canyon Lake Insider. Justin Lewis served as the master of ceremonies for the day. AJ Loft, who runs the Canyon Lake Cornhole Club, served as the official.

Despite the weather hitting triple digits, the day proved to be a fun and exciting one for all who attended.

The Canyon Lake POA team of Board President Bill Van Vleet and employee Jorge Castaneda went undefeated and won the championship for the POA. Each entity provided two teams of two players each in the tournament.

“The Canyon Lake Fire Department would like to thank all the participants and especially Mrs. Ritchie for creating such a wonderful event,” Canyon Lake Fire Captain Tim OMarra said. “We look forward to this becoming an annual gathering fostering fellowship and friendly competition. We are coming for the POA’s champion title. See you next year.”

The Canyon Lake Fire Department team tosses bags in the Canyon Lake Cornhole Championship Saturday. The tournament proved to be a great day of laughs and friendly competition. Photo by Kellie Welty.

The tournament served as a platform for different groups within the city to come together and interact in a lighthearted and enjoyable setting. It not only showcased the competitive spirit of the participants, but also strengthened the bonds between these vital community organizations.

“It was a really fun event,” City Council Member Jennifer Dain said. “It was great to see everyone out there supporting all the teams.”

The objective in organizing the tournament, organizer Donna said, was to provide another opportunity for camaraderie and fellowship between the city, the POA, the fire department and the sheriffs department, as well as an opportunity for these four entities to engage with the community in a fun way.

“The players said they are looking forward to competing against each other again next year,” Donna said. “I’m committed to organizing the same tournament in 2024 and already have sponsors for it. Next year it will be held in the beginning of the year and not in the middle of summer.”