Center circle downtown Greenville OH, decked out in flags for 4th of July

It has been tradition, since I met my husband, to spend the 4th of July weekend in Greenville OH for their annual horseshoe tournament.  For John, it has been the place he has visited to pitch since he was a child.

The annual tournament brings in pitchers from all over the country and sometimes  Canada.  But from the calm atmosphere you would not know you were witnessing the country’s/worlds best horseshoe pitchers in action, including Alan Francis who has won more world tournaments than any other pitcher in the US. (see video below)

You see, horseshoe tournaments are the most laid back of all sports and are a great place to spend the day with family listening to the clink of a ringer or the miss of a shoe.  Set in the midst of a shaded park in Greenville OH, home of Annie Oakley Days, down the hill you hear the peacocks calling and across the road on the ponds you can see the many ducks–and sometimes swans float on the water.

Peacock at the Greenville Park

Spectators do get very involved in the sport especially when two world tournament champs are pitching against one another and coming up with “4 dead” each time.  (which means they continue to get all their shoes on).

Greenville Ohio is only about 35 minutes from Wayne County/Richmond and is a great weekend trip for the family.  Good restaurants, an historic downtown and a beautiful city park which includes a large mostly shallow pool with a water slide are some of the things you will enjoy there.  The last weekend in July is Annie Oakley Days at the fairgrounds with reenactors, displays, good food and lots of fun.

This Saturday, July 9th Richmond is hosting a sanctioned tournament

To get an idea of what a horseshoe tournament is like, you can watch the video below of Alan Francis and Brian Simmons- both world champion pitchers.  And to see a tournament in person, this Saturday, July 9th Richmond is hosting its own sanctioned tournament at Clear Creek on the west side.  For more information, you can contact John Passmore at 765-993-3855.

If you have a traditional day or weekend trip you take with your family that you think others in Wayne  County might enjoy–please share by making a comment below.