Annual Cornhole Classic returns to Sandpoint next weekend

SANDPOINT — The third annual Sandpoint Cornhole Classic is set for Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. The tournament is hosted by the 7B Baggers Cornhole Club, a newly formed nonprofit.

Last year’s tournament had more than 130 competitors and the anticipation is growing for an even larger event this year. The event is bringing in pros and top players from across the Pacific Northwest. Registration is filling up, so don't delay and sign-up to participate in the biggest cornhole tournament in the Inland Northwest.

"This tournament is a staple for throwers in the NW and we are so glad to welcome them back," said Cooper Balke, tournament director and president of 7B Baggers Cornhole Club. "Locals shouldn’t be shy though, there’s all skill levels open and this is a fantastic opportunity to try the sport out. New this year is a juniors division.”

The Sandpoint Cornhole Classic is an American Cornhole League Mountain North Conference Tournament and is open to the 11 states in the west.

The Cornhole Classic starts at 9 a.m. Saturday with a mix of singles and blind draw doubles. Then another wave of events start at 1 p.m. and it all wraps up with Bring Your Own Partner Doubles at 6 p.m. All the events have their own skill levels — social, intermediate, competitive and advanced.

A social player is one who enjoys playing casually and wants to have some fun learning more about the game of cornhole. Intermediate players have some experience playing, can hit the board often and make bags go in the whole semi-frequently. The competitive division is intended for players who wish to challenge themselves but may lack the consistency for the highest level of play. The advanced division is for players who wish to compete at the highest level with players who may be professionals.

The newly added juniors division is for youth aged 12-17 (as of Aug. 31, 2020) and there are singles and Bring Your Own Partner events for juniors. Juniors may be eligible to compete in social and upper adult divisions if approved by the tournament director.

"Cornhole has been growing in Sandpoint for more than five years and the formation of the 7B Baggers Cornhole Club as a non-profit was a natural fit," co-founder Mack Deibel said. "We’ve got a great group of people to continue the growth of the sport and spread the fun. Please do not be shy and join us any time."

There’s a Friday night social and kickoff at the Bonner County Fairgrounds starting at 5:45 p.m. on Sept. 11. The format for players will be a Crew Cup competition which is a blind draw four-person team event, but everyone is welcome to attend, meet the players and have a great time.

A full schedule for the Cornhole Classic can be found on the 7B Baggers Facebook page. You can also register for the tournament and learn more about the Sandpoint Cornhole Classic on the Baggers Facebook Page.