Fri 8/27-Sun 8/29
For the 37th year, the Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce returns to the Wickliffe Italian-American Club for three days in August. It’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in this traditional European bowling-style sport, which is enjoying renewed popularity these days, to see some of the best players gather from a dozen states from Massachusetts to Mississippi to California, as well as Canada.
There’ll be 120 teams vying for more than $20,000 in prize money — and they’ll be rarin’ to go, since last year’s tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic. But the 2019 champs the ABV Contractors team, will be back to defend the title.
Things get started with the opening ceremonies at 5:30 pm on Friday August 27, where you can hear the national anthems of the U.S., Italy, and Canada sung by Solon’s Giovanni Castiglione. Play begins immediately on nine covered courts.
But this tournament is about more than watching top players do their thing; it’s also a three-day social event for the whole family. There’ll be homemade Italian and American-style food, Italian cultural activities in the pavilion on Saturday, live music by a variety of bands, kids’ activities including shows by Magician Rick Smith Jr. and Jungle Terry on Sunday, and, also on Sunday. in the late afternoon, the women’s and men’s championship finals.
Admission is free. For more information go to wickliffeianda.com.