Cornhole Event Captures Locals

When a beanbag soars directly into the hole without touching the cornhole board, it is called ‘Airmail.’ Airmail is the perfect description of how the Tossin’ in Paradise cornhole event played out on Saturday, March 21, at Veterans’ Community Park.

Now in its second year, event founders Jill and Arne Sandberg were pleased to watch as not only the attendance was plentiful, but the local resident and business involvement was abundant. “It is a community event to get people out. And boy, is it a beautiful day!” said Jill.

The event’s time was scheduled later this year to escape the hottest temperatures of the day. A smart move, as the weather was near perfect!

With 29 teams competing, a combination of pre-registered and day-of walk-ups, beanbags began to fly through the refreshing spring air shortly after 3:00 PM. Hi-Tech Events, hailing from Tampa, returned as the event coordinators. They kept the tournament organized and moving upwards through the brackets. They also provided lively music, inciting everyone to bop along to the beats.

Proceeds raised from the event were donated to local charities.

Spectators enjoyed the family-friendly occasion on the sidelines, forming their own tailgate-style fun. Kids enjoyed running to and from the playground nearby and a face-painting station. Several furry four-legged friends basked in the sun and took in tons of pats from their many admirers.

Thirty Kiwanis and Rotary volunteers staffed the refreshment sections with cold water, beer, and soft drinks. They also assisted the MIA Key Club volunteers with a 50/50 raffle.

The MIA girls’ lacrosse team helped keep everyone fed, grilling up tasty burgers and hot dogs. The MIA Key Club held a Bake Sale for those needing a sugar rush with dozens of cookies, frosted cupcakes, delectable brownies, and more.

A first this year was a BBQ tasting. Hosted and prepared by the Optimist Club, they filled the air with the aroma of smoked meats that made your mouth water. Chris and Jamie Savarino were happy to team up with Kiwanis and Rotary to smoke pulled pork and wings. All money raised from their BBQ tasting went directly to the Optimist Club, which focuses on youth sports programs.

As teams moved up in the brackets, so did their hopes of securing one of the prizes. In addition to medals for their placements, each winner in first, second, and third place received a basket filled with $250, $150, and $100, respectively, of goodies and a gift card to a local restaurant.

Jill and Arne Sandberg donated the baskets that were each shopped for and caringly put together at Make-A-Memory.

The gift cards were donated by the restaurants themselves. $200 from Joey’s Pizza and Pasta, $90 for either Little Bar or Samis, and $25 to Stonewalls.

In another show of community support, there were a number of local businesses and residents who sponsored the event. A whopping 33 generous sponsors came together to make Tossin’ in Paradise happen, with the Carvelli Restaurant Group and Elite Contracting being the title sponsors.

A shady tent with tables and chairs was set up for players to rest between sets or enjoy a bite to eat, provided by Tom Mann from All Event Party Rentals.

As the event wrapped, Jill Sandberg smiled fondly at the teams who participated, the volunteers, and the clubs involved. “Everyone that has come together has truly made this an event to remember,” she said.

They, and many others, are already looking forward to next year!