Windsor Jaycees to Host Horseshoe Tourney for Mary's Place

When residents take the field of the Mechanic Street horseshoe courts for the third-annual Jaycee Classic Horseshoe Tournament and Cookout, it will be the last time they do so in Windsor Center.

Located on land the town plans to sell to a developer, the town council recently voted to move the recreational area to the southern end of town.

Filling the town center air with the smell of burgers, dogs and with the sound laughter, the Jaycees and the Windsor Horseshoe Club are deciding to end this chapter of the classic game on Mechanic Street with a bang — holding the event rain or shine (proper protection from weather will be provided in the form of tents) in an effort to support Mary's Place.

"The Jaycees are very proud to work with great organizations in town like the Windsor Horseshoe Club and is very proud & honored that the last official event at the courts in the center will be the Jaycee Classic, which encourages everyone in town to do their part and be responsible, because that is what the Windsor Horseshoe Club has done for over 20 years in town," said current Jaycee President John Jary.

The event's support of Mary's Place — a Poquonock Avenue non-profit that provides support services for children, teens and families in grieving — continues the event's tradition of local civic groups coming together to do good in the community, or "pitch in," as the Jaycees say.

According to the Jaycees, the event began in 2010 as a way to establish "a simple and economical way to unite civic organizations, businesses and residents through the spirit of friendly competition while raising money for a worthy goup in Windsor.

"We wanted to develop an old-fashioned cook-out type event to bring people and groups together to continue developing camaraderie in Windsor," said Jary. 

"The more people that know each other, face-to-face, and can develop personal relationships with other organizations and businesses, the more we can get done in town."

Those interested in "Pitching In" and playing in the 2012 Jaycee Classic can do so for $50 a team or $25 a person. Every dollar raised will benefit Mary's Place.

The Jaycees encourage all Windsor residents to come out to the tournament on Sat., Sept. 29, saying, "There's no better way to close out a chapter of town history than by 'pitching in' and doing your part for a local child or family in need."

The event will kick off at 1 p.m., with sign in taking place at 12:30 p.m. The tournament will run until 4:30 p.m.