Beers, bratwursts, and … beanbags?
Aviator Sports and Events Center in Marine Park is throwing its second Oktoberfest celebration on Oct, 4, and this year, the party won’t just be about brews and Bavarian pretzels. The festival will take a decidedly American twist with a cornhole tournament — a Midwestern game that can be played with a beer in one hand and a small beanbag in the other, according to an organizer.
“It is one of those backyard games that pairs very well with beer,” said Pat Ward, the owner of Ward Boards, which makes the hole-filled boards being used in the contest. “It is a great social game.”
Teams of two have to throw the soft bags at the boards, aiming to get the bag through a small hole near the top. Players get one point for landing a beanbag on the board and three points for sinking one in the hole. The first to reach 21 points wins. The duo that claims victory in the double-elimination tournament will score prizes including a beer stein and several cases of suds.
The game sounds simple, but strategy is important, said Ward. The cornhole kingpin said his toss technique is a mixture of rhythmic, pendulum-like swings, and Frisbee flicks.
“The biggest strategy is to spin the bags,” he said. “A lot of people just kind of stand up there and throw the bag any which way.”
The festival will also include a stein-hoisting competition, and drinking games such as flip cup and beer pong. There will be a free shuttle bus to the festival from the Flatbush Avenue subway station at Brooklyn College.
All skill levels are encouraged to toss at the tournament, regardless of their experience, said Ward.
“It is one more thing to do on a beautiful fall day,” he said.
Oktoberfest at Aviator Sports and Events Center [3159 Flatbush Ave. off the Belt Parkway in Marine Park, (718) 758-7500, www.aviatorsports.com]. Oct. 4 at noon–6 pm. $35 in advance, $45 at the door. Cornhole tournament entry is $20 per team, e-mail harvey@aviatorsports.com to register.
