​Opening ceremonies for the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association World Tournament will kick off at 11 a.m. on July 13 at the Greenheck Turner Community Center in Weston, signaling the start of nearly two weeks of intensive competition. The event is expected to draw athletes, families and fans from across central Wisconsin and beyond, as competitors take part in a broad range of divisions and tournaments, according to a community notice.
The tournament runs from July 13 through July 25 at the Greenheck Turner Community Center, located at 6400 Alderson Street in Weston. It will feature preliminary rounds in men’s, women’s, elder, junior and cadet categories, with championship play scheduled to begin later in the event. Opening ceremonies are planned to occur between morning and afternoon pitching sessions on July 13, providing the public with an up-close look at the size and tradition of the sport.
Tim White, executive director of Visit Wausau, described the event as an outstanding opportunity for the community to welcome athletes and visitors from around the world and to showcase Greater Wausau as a region dedicated to sports, outdoor recreation and hospitality. He emphasized that the opening ceremonies offer a meaningful moment for the public to witness the scale of the tournament and the rich tradition of competitive horseshoe pitching.
Championship play will commence with junior, cadet and elder women sessions on July 18, followed by divisions for elder men, open men, open women and senior competitors beginning July 23 and continuing through July 25, as noted in the community announcement.
The Greenheck Turner Community Center will serve as the primary venue for all tournament competition, hosting daily matches and activities throughout the event. The facility opens by 6:30 a.m. each day and provides seating on both the ground and upper levels, along with concessions and vending options. Organizers point out that the venue sits on school grounds, so school district policies apply, including restrictions on tobacco and alcohol.
The Fanstand concession area will offer breakfast, snacks and beverages during the tournament, with merchandise available for purchase. Spectators can enjoy free admission and complimentary on-site parking. For a complete schedule and additional information, visitors can consult the Greenheck Turner Community Center website.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI and edited by staff; journalists were involved in every step of information gathering, review, and publishing. For more details about ethical practices, see cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This piece originally appeared in the Wausau Daily Herald under the title World horseshoe tournament comes to Weston July 13-25.