SATURDAY HORSESHOE TOURNEY EXPECTED TO DRAW CROWDS OF 3,500 TO SCOTT CITY

SCOTT CITY -- Up to 3,500 people are expected to attend the 11th annual Missouri Knights of Columbus horseshoe tournament in Scott City this weekend.

The event, which has drawn teams from Knights of Columbus councils across the state, will begin Saturday morning at St. Joseph Council 6420 Hall, a quarter-mile south of Scott City on Highway 61.

The opening ceremony will begin at 9 a.m., with competition starting at 9:30. The championships are expected to be decided between 4-5 p.m. Sunday.

There are 372 men's teams in six classes in one double-elimination competition. There are 83 teams in two classes in that single-elimination event.

There will be food and drinks available on the grounds, plus rides for children. "It will be a family affair," said Ron Burger, tournament co-chairman.

According to Burger, the tournament originated in Scott City 11 years ago and is back at St. Joseph for the first time since the event's conception.

"We've grown from 54 teams then to what it is now," said Burger, who noted that about 160 motel rooms in the area have been reserved for the tournament.

There is no admission charge for spectators.