Allegheny County Kicks Off Marbles Program

The Allegheny County Parks Department kicked off its 2012 marbles program Monday at the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania in Millvale.

Clinics and competitions will take place through May 30 at various locations throughout Allegheny County, including Boyce Park in Plum, Harrison Hills Park, North Park and South Park. The complete schedule is available at www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/calendar/marbles.aspx.

The marbles program is free for children and teens ages 14 and younger.

South Park will host events at the Buffalo Inn Facility on March 31 and April 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. Information can be obtained by calling the permit office at 412-835-4810.

The next closest event is at Century III Mall on May 21-25 each week day from 6 to 7 p.m. Register by calling Heidi Hoffman at 412-653-1222

All local competition winners will qualify to enter the Allegheny County Marbles Championship, which will be held Thursday, May 31, through Saturday, June 2, in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse. All county winners will receive an Allegheny County Marbles Champion T-shirt and qualify to compete in the 89th National Marbles Championship in Wildwood, N.J., from June 17 through 22.

Allegheny County’s marbles program has produced a number of national champions. Last year, Bailey Narr won the girls national championship, and Brandon Matchett won the boys national championship. Past girls national champions also include Penelope Bauer in 2010, Amber Ricci in 2008, Alexandra Bauer in 2007, and Carly Miller in 2004. Past boys national champions include John Leffakis in 2008, Keith Moss in 2006, and Jamie Miller in 2005.

For additional information, contact Maureen Ricci at 412-260-7278.

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