“Fire in the Hole” cornhole returning

The Amherstburg Firefighters Association (AFA) is bringing back its largest fundraiser of the year next month.

The third annual “Fire in the Hole” cornhole tournament is scheduled for Sept. 27 at the McGregor Columbian Club hall. The tournament gets underway at 2 p.m.

“We’re going to have the event at the same place again,” said Cameron Arksey, vice president of the association. “We consider this to be our biggest fundraising event of the year.”

Through its first two years, the “Fire in the Hole” cornhole tournament has raised nearly $25,000. Arksey said they have a lot of sponsors in addition to the funds raised by the cornhole players themselves.

The Amherstburg Firefighters Association also co-ordinates the Stuff-a-Fire-Truck annual gift and toy drive and proceeds from the cornhole tournament help purchase gifts and gift cards for families in need.

Among the charities and causes the association donates to are The House Youth Centre, the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, Amherstburg Community Services (ACS), North Star High School student bursaries, the Windsor Ultimate Frisbee League, LaSalle-Windsor Special Olympics, the Learning Disabilities Association of Windsor-Essex, the Rotary Club of Essex, the Essex Ravens Football Club, the Amherstburg Minor Hockey Association, the Amherstburg Minor Soccer Association, Encounter Church, Windsor Wildcats girls fastball, Creative Child Learning Centre and the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundations.

“We donate to families affected by fire and disasters that we respond to,” Arksey added. “We do what we can to help them out.”

Teams or individuals can register for the Sept. 27 tournament through the Scoreholio app. Arksey said the app can be download and people can search for the “Fire in the Hole” tournament and register. Up to 64 teams can register with the cost being $50 per team.

Arksey said they draw people from outside the area due to the prizes, which are $500, $300 and $150. 

“It lines up with our gold, silver and bronze sponsorships,” he said, adding a new platinum sponsorship level is available for $1,000.

All skill levels are welcome, Arksey added.

There were 31 teams last year, but Arksey said the tournament was later in the year and conflicted with the Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade. Firefighters were helping to get ready for that and couldn’t attend the tournament.

“Luckily, we were able to secure an earlier date this year,” said Arksey.

For those interested in being a sponsor, Arksey can be reached at 226-268-3868 or association president Jeremy Pillon at 519-818-3384. People can also e-mail aburgfireassoc@gmail.com. 

“Fire in the Hole” cornhole returning

By Ron Giofu