The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Moose cornhole tournament a success

VW independent/submitted information

A total of 40 cornhole teams from three states came together recently at Moose Lodge 1320 in Van Wert.

The winners of the tournament were from Michigan; however, the Van Wert community was the real winner from this event. Moose Lodge 1320 was packed with people from late morning until the late hours of the evening. Great food, raffles, a DJ, and a live band complemented the day, and everyone appeared to have a great time! Lautza-Palooza started 9 years ago as a way to get friends together and compete at something everyone could enjoy indoors.

The first few years, committee members worked hard to purchase a few new boards and several bean bags per year. After that, their focus turned to helping the Van Wert community using proceeds from the tournament.  The tournament committee consists of Matt Lautzenheiser, Armando Alvarez, Jason Heffner, Ethan Adams, Jason Shaffer and Josh Agler.

“The Van Wert community is where we all live,” Lautzenheiser said. “We enjoy it here; we want to make a difference.”

Lautzenheiser and Alvarez provided a $2,000 check to Van Wert Youth Baseball.

“We all played ball as kids,” Alvarez added. “This will go a long way to help with uniforms, umpires, and equipment for the local kids.”

This year’s sponsors include McHugh’s Home Improvement, Eaton Corporation, Lee Kinstle’s GM Sales & Service, Olympic Lanes, Moose Lodge 1320, Ace Hardware, Van Wert Pallet, Elks Lodge 1197 Golf Committee, Cooper Farms, AMA Material, Women of the Moose, Jerandan Portable Toilets, and Northwest Ohio/Welch Trophy.

Next year’s tournament will be held on February 1, 2019.

POSTED: 03/10/18 at 9:05 am. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles