Cornhole game is cropping up everywhere

Cornhole, a game that’s recently become more popular around Smith Mountain Lake, made its way to Southwest Virginia about five years ago, 10 years ago at the most, according to Roddy Moore, director of Ferrum College’s Blue Ridge Institute and Museum. Some say the game originated in Kentucky, but no one knows for sure.

Moore said that the first time he saw it was at the beach.

“In a way, it’s a little like horseshoes, but with a whole lot less skill,” he said. “I’ve seen it mainly at parties and get-togethers.”

Moore called it a group sport, but used the word “sport” lightly. The game can be played with two or four people, with two raised cornhole boards about 27 feet away from each other. Participants throw a cornhole bag filled with feed-grade dried corn toward the board. If the bag lands on the board, one point is awarded; a bag thrown through the hole earns three points. The player or team that reaches 21 first wins.

The game requires little in the way of equipment and can be played by all ages.

Moore said participants can make their own boards or purchase them. Cornhole games can be found at several nearby venues; some places host tournaments up to three times a week.

Some players are competitive, but the game typically is accompanied by cold drinks and good friends.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Keith Stone of Hardy, who was playing cornhole on a recent Friday at Hot Shots Family Fun Center in Moneta. Stone said he actually prefers playing horseshoes but still loves cornhole.

Keith Caron of Moneta came out to play in the Hot Shots cornhole tournament with son Jackson, 13. His wife, Roni, and daughter, Brooke, 16, watched from a nearby picnic table.

“It’s our first time, actually,” Keith Caron said. Roni Caron added, “Everybody’s happy. Everybody’s having fun.”

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