HORSESHOE HYSTERIA TO HIT LEOPOLD

If one thinks horseshoe pitching is a dying pastime, a visit to Leopold this weekend ought to be a required activity.

On Saturday and Sunday, the town of 165 residents will be clanking to the tune of 1,102 horseshoe pitchers in the 17th annual Missouri State Horseshoe Tournament.

With 551 teams scheduled to attend, the tournament is the biggest in Missouri and possibly the nation.

The event is sponsored by the St. Isidore's Knights of Columbus Council 5898.

The event is expected to attract 3,000 people and tournament officials have even enlisted the help of the Missouri Highway Patrol to help with the traffic congestion.

"It's quite a deal, but we can handle it," said Luke Jansen of Leopold, who was the tournament director in 1987 when Leopold last hosted the tournament. "We've proven we can do it. A lot of other councils would like to have it, but it takes a lot of ground."

Ground as in five acres of pits, which will allow 70 games to be played simultaneously. And ground as in 80 acres of parking space.

Many of the pits will be situated on a ball diamond and will provide a site for after-dark play, if needed. The tournament is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. each day and conclude around 5 p.m. But weather delays or lagging play could bring on the lights.

The tournament will consist of seven men's classes, ranging from expert to beginner, and two women's classes. The 551 teams is the largest ever assembled at a state tournament and nearly 10 times the total that gathered for the inaugural tournament 17 years ago in Scott City.

Elfrink said players will be competing from around the state, including Jefferson City, Columbia, Springfield, Joplin and Branson.

A mixer will be held Friday from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Competitors will go over rules, inspect the playing area and talk of their tournament hopes.

Opening ceremonies will be held Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and horseshoes will fly all day both days.