A group is hosting an event filled with barbecue games to get the town together to meet and compete in a friendly competition.
The Harrison Township Democratic Committee is hosting its inaugural “Battle of the Hill” on Aug. 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the American Legion (141 N. Main St.). Participation in the tournament is only open to people ages 18 and up, however, kids are welcome to attend to watch. Entry is $20 per person and can be paid online by visiting www.Facebook.com/HarrisonTownshipDemocrats.
No rain date has been set, however, there will be tents set up to shelter from light rain. In the event of storms, the committee said it will work with the American Legion for another date and notify participants.
“Anytime you have friends over or are down the Shore, you have these games and it’s meant to be fun in that aspect but in town,” said Kelly Redkoles, member of the committee. “It’s meant to give people something to do.”
Redkoles added the idea for the competition came from a committee person who was recently elected to the party and had organized a similar event in Strathmere.
“We went back and forth about when to have it, and we had to do it now because people will go back to school or will be in travel leagues,” Redkoles said. “We’re hoping to gain some new people, meet new people who aren’t in our circle and branch out each year.”
The games adults will participate in include cornhole, ladder ball, bucket ball (an oversized beer pong game), frisbee fling, horseshoes and bocce ball. The objective of the competition is to finish with the lowest possible score. Judges will be at every station to keep track.
Medals will be given to second- and third-place finishers, while first place receives a trophy and bragging rights.
The games are not open to kids, but kids can remain on the sidelines or enjoy the refreshments.
“With kids, we wanted to be cautious and have kids be able to have fun,” she said. “We wanted to see how it goes with the adults and reassess it to see how kids can participate on a smaller scale in the future.”
Inside the American Legion will be an open cash-only bar for those 21 and up.
Participants and spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable canned or boxed food, and pet food to be donated to one of the local food pantries.
“It would be a good opportunity to meet other residents you haven’t met,” she said. “Some of the events in town I’ve attended are where I’ve met a lot of people whether it’s the Soiree or other activities. It’s a great opportunity to have fun while meeting people.“
