By Stephen Dafoe
Morinville – Higher Grounds Espresso Bar will be hosting a charity cribbage tournament Sept. 6 at 7 p.m., the first of a series of adult evenings to mix cards, coffee and local charities in one sitting. The 100 Avenue coffee house has chosen the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation as the first recipient. The $10 team registration fees for the event will be donated to the charity as well as a collection taken up the night of the event.
Higher Grounds volunteer manager Crystal Terhorst said they hosted a successful cribbage evening earlier this year and wanted to repeat the efforts again this fall. “Everyone had a lot of fun,” she said. “Everyone got to play each other. There were all skill levels. People who had never played crib before were playing against crib sharks that have been playing for decades. There were a lot of laughs and everyone is up for it again.”
Cribbage is a card game that was popularised in the 1600s by Sir John Suckling, an English poet. Four centuries later, the card game is still popular with people, including younger generations.
Terhorst said the idea of continuing the event is to bring the generations together on a Friday night for a fun event where people can get to know and appreciate one another. “I’m surprised to see so many young people interested in it and actually learning the game,” she said. “It’s a great game. You can visit while you are playing it. It’s a very sociable game.”
Team play is key
The Sept. 6 event has room for 16 teams of cribbage players. Terhorst said there is a $10 registration fee per team and that players must register in teams of two.
“All the teams’ entrance fees will go together. We want to pay that forward into the community, into a charity in the community,” she said. “We’ll also have a donation box or jar out so people can add to that if they want. We’ll pick a different charity every time.”
Terhorst said there are already two teams signed up for the event. She does not anticipate having any problem filling the remaining team slots.
Those wishing to take part in the upcoming cribbage tournament can sign up at Higher Grounds from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.
These beautiful and spirited ladies are always thinking of others in our community. Bravo Chrystal, Darlene, Jean and the other lovely baristas for being part of our community and helping in so many ways.
I can’t wait to join the tournament. I now have a partner and look forward to some great conversations and card play! This is another great example of how local businesses can offer great things and great fun for all residents!