Fri 8/26-Sun 8/28
The Italian sport of bocce isn’t as obscure as it was a few years ago, given the revival of all kinds of recreational sports including bowling, shuffleboard and even horseshoes. But the Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce predated that trendiness, and it’s now in its 38th year.
More than 100 teams, coming from across the Great Lakes region, as well as Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, California and Canada, will be converging on the Wickliffe Italian-American Club for three days to vie for more than $20,000 prize money.
The event opens on Friday August 26 @ 4:45 with Giovanni Castiglione singing the U.S., Italian and Canadian national anthems with tournament play starting immediately and running through Sunday on nine covered courts.
But even if you aren’t playing bocce or cheering on someone who is, this weekend provides plenty of attractions, starting with tons of homemade Italian and traditional American food. There’s entertainment all weekend on the main stage in the covered pavilion and cultural activities Saturday @ noon-3pm, including a photo display of Italian-Americans in Cleveland. Sunday is Family Day, with kid-oriented entertainment including magician Rick Smith Jr., DJ Dave and Jungle Terry’s Exotic Animal Show. Late Sunday afternoon the women’s division and open division championships take place.
Get a full schedule and more info at wickliffeianda.com.