“Fire in the Hole” cornhole tournament raises roughly $15k

Bags were flying at the McGregor Columbian Club Sept. 26 as the Amherstburg Firefighters Association held its fourth annual “Fire in the Hole” cornhole tournament. Thanks to the participants and sponsors, the event raised close to $15,000.

The bags were flying at the Columbian Club in McGregor last weekend and the Amherstburg community stands to benefit.

The Amherstburg Firefighters Association (AFFA) presented the fourth annual “Fire in the Hole” cornhole tournament last Saturday afternoon (Sept. 26) with proceeds to benefit projects the AFFA supports in the community. Causes range from scholarships to charites and non-profit organizations as well as those in need in the community.

Amherstburg Firefighters Association vice president Cameron Arksey said almost 30 teams took part in the tournament and he credits a great prize board as part of the reason. 

The first place team won $1,000, the second place team took home $500 while the third place duo collected $300.

It is the AFFA’s largest fundraiser of the year. Arksey estimated at the Sept. 26 event it had raised close to $15,000.

Arksey said there were a lot of returning cornhole players while some came across the border from the United States to attend. 

Roughly 20 Amherstburg firefighters also helped organize and set up the tournament as a committee helped present it this year.

“It probably ran smoother than every other year,” said Arksey.

Sponsorships were strong again in 2026, Arksey reported, and there were platinum, gold and silver levels. Many are returning sponsors who increase the amount they donate to the “Fire in the Hole” cornhole tournament. 

The AFFA was also pleased with the support they received from their colleagues. The Amherstburg Professional Firefighters Association (APFFA), which represents the full-time firefighters, showed its support as did Chief Michael Mio, who was also in attendance at last Saturday afternoon’s event.

“The chief came out to support us, which is awesome,” said Arksey.

Next year is a milestone for the cornhole tournament, he added.

“We’re looking forward to the fifth-year anniversary. We’ve got this down to a science now,” said Arksey.

AFFA president Jeremy Pillon added the tournament has raised roughly $50,000 for community projects and individuals in its first four years. 

Pillon thanked everyone for showing up and supporting the cornhole tournament and the entire community.

“We’re glad everyone came out and showed up,” he said. “We’re looking forward to our fifth year and making it bigger and better.”

“Fire in the Hole” cornhole tournament raises roughly $15k

By Ron Giofu