Southside Bocce / Rock Island Public House Random Tournament Saturday

Bocce Ball, say the experts, “is a game you can learn in minutes and spend a lifetime trying to master” which may explain its zestful growth over the last few years.

The Southside Bocce / Rock Island Public House Random Pick Up Tournament takes all comers Saturday, September 30th with play getting underway at 4 p.m. at 13328 Olde Western Ave. in Blue Island. Register by Wednesday, September 27th at:

https://docs.google.com/forms/...

“The enthusiasm for players of all ages is growing and growing and we’re happy to be a part of it at Rock Island Public House,” said Jennifer Brown, who owns the Blue Island destination establishment with her husband Dave.

All entrants register individually and teams will be drawn up randomly – or picked up. The top two finishers will take home prizes. Entry fee is $20.

“If we’ve learned anything in the five seasons we hosted Bocce play, it’s that everyone gets along whether it’s with a teammate or an opponent,” said Dave Brown. “Players in our weekly tournaments come for the camaraderie and cool vibe that exists on the patio. We expect more of the same.”

Bocce play has seen many changes throughout the ages, according to historians. It has evolved from being a crude sport played with rounded rocks, or even coconuts, to the modern game with composite or metal balls.

Bocce is known in some circles as: lawn bowling, nine pins, skittles, pentanque and carry a variety of local rules. In the US, play picked up as a California craze in 1989. Today, there’s an estimated 25,000,000 Bocce enthusiasts in the US who play recreationally, or play on structured courts like Rock Island’s outdoor court.

Each player is given two balls (boccia). A player continues to roll their balls until they get closer than the opponent's ball. Players are awarded one point for each ball closer than the opponent's closest ball nearest to the pallino ball (the smallest ball - like a golf ball - which has already been thrown onto the field as a target).

“People catch on so very quickly to the rules and the technique which removes any beginner’s fear of the unknown,” said Jennifer. “Plus, everyone is supportive and helpful to each other.”

Jennifer and Dave Brown opened Rock Island Public House in 2013 with flairs for bringing together experiences to complement food and beverage choices. Creative restaurateurs rotate in throughout the week to prepare their respective specialties on site for loyal patrons. Beverage choices feature Midwest craft beers carefully selected for taste and seasonal presentation.

Rare jukebox choices, pinball machines and offbeat film noir screenings make the Rock Island Public House a matchless experience, whether arriving solo or with friends.

“We live in Blue Island and believe in this town, our neighbors, and the power of craft beer to build a community of individuals that support all things local,” write the Browns on there website.

“RIPH is a celebration of hard work and putting it all on the line to make it happen. We are dedicated to finding the best beer and supporting craft brewers. We admire their independent spirit, ingenuity, pride and commitment to quality.”

The Browns named the establishment in honor of the Rock Island Railroad, a “mighty fine line” that first steamed in to Blue Island in 1852. The Rock Island’s tracks still run behind the bar and still transport.

The Browns vision is a testament to their love of Blue Island and it residents. That so many outside the immediate area have been drawn to the signature animation gives the Browns great gratification and benefit to the village.

The intuition that a game called Bocce - that was first documented in 1500 B.C. – would catch on speaks to the ability to keep a finger on the pulse of patrons.

OUTHSIDE BOCCE TOURNAMENT

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH

Come play #bocce! Random draw, 4 x 4, and prizes for the first 2 teams! Register by 9-27! From 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

https://docs.google.com/forms/...