SNOWSHOE FESTIVAL
January 18 , 2014 


We played the annual SnowShoe Festival on a blustery day here in Stuarts Draft.  
As Tournament Director for the first time, to start the games, and with temps hovering about 20, 
I checked our rules and played 15 point games.
Our rules for this event include shoe limits based on the temperature when we start. 
• 10 or less = 10 point games
• 10-20 = 15 point games
• 20 or above = 21 point games


Our rules also let each flight decide whether they will play on top of the mats or open the pits. 
Since we had snow on the ground and had just cleared a dusting of snow off the mats, everyone decided to play on
top of the mats. In this situation, the closest shoe to the pin scores a point, even if it’s 5 feet away from 
the pin! Makes for some really fun pitching !!. 


We had 15 dedicated pitchers show up, which divided into 3 flights. The first group was won hands-down by 
14 yr old, Andrew Payne 5-0. The next group was also a shut-out, won by 15 yr old, Jonathan Payne (Andrew’s brother)
 5-0.  The final group had a playoff for first place between Dave Mininger and Travis (?) – newcomer, never did
 get his last name.   Travis won the playoff, setting the stage for the CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH. 


We flipped shoes, with odd-man-out for the Championship round. Whoever won this got to take home the handmade 
annual SnowShoe Festival GRAND CHAMP TROPHY!! Andrew, Jonathan & Travis were flight winners competing for the title. 


Andrew got the bye round, while Travis and Jonathan played. Travis won that game, and all pumped up took on Andrew.
 It was close, but in the end Travis got the best of things and came off the courts beaming. We all had a good laugh
 as this new-comer Travis said “I’m coming back this summer to play with y’all! This was fun!!”  


The temperature had reached about 30 during the event, but the constant breeze had everyone covering hands and 
ears. As the visitors left and the club members cleaned up, I couldn’t help but think to myself ...” another 
successful SnowShoe. But I can’t wait  til spring when I can show these young pups what REAL horseshoe pitching 
is all about. “ . See you all on the courts soon. 


Chuck Hansen, SD Horseshoe Club Secretary