This Sunday, August 21st, an arm-wrestling event is setting up from 11:00 a.m. onward at the Bureau’s Barn’s first Fall Fair. The competition is open to all, so if you’re feeling the need to flex that forearm, you can sign up before-hand or register on the day of the event.
It costs $20 to register, and half of the proceeds go to the Bureau’s Barn, a well-known equestrian ranch in the area. The Barn runs a lot of riding classes, and the funds will help offset costs for some of its riders. The Barn is located at 11200 Highway 64 in Verner. There are signs to guide you to parking once you near the site, and the Fall Fair takes place on Saturday and Sunday, with festivities beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Organizers plan to make the fair an annual celebration. Many equestrian events will be featured throughout the weekend, and there will be lots of games and food available for visitors. A chicken show is sure to turn some heads, and on Sunday, it’s arm-wrestling time.
That’s right, Verner, an arm-wrestling competition is coming to a fall fair near you. It’s produced and hosted by the Gateway Arms and Sturgeon Arm Breakers arm-wrestling club, and anyone can participate.
Club member Jeremy Seguina has been busy organizing the event and looks forward to bringing arm-wrestling to the fair. He noted there are about 12 members of the group, and most of them are coming out, but he’s also been told that many arm-wrestlers are visiting from out of town as well. “We have around 60 people interested” in taking part so far, which will ensure a good show for all.
“We’ve attracted some big names,” Seguin hinted, so don’t be surprised if some of arm-wrestling’ finest arrive from Sudbury, Timmins, and Sault Ste. Marie. “We have people of high calibre coming down, considering it’s held in a small village in a small venue,” and these competitors will give audiences a chance to see some top-notch, national level matches.
The tournament is also fully sanctioned by the Ontario Arm Wrestling Association, so your ranking at this event will be officially acknowledged by the association. The referees are also certified by the association, so watchful eyes will be kept on all matches.
There are divisions for men and women, but you must be over 14 to hit the table. Organizers will weigh you in upon registration and place you within the correct weight category. There are five categories, ranging from under 154 pounds to over 220 pounds.
And although the tournament is a serious, sanctioned event, Seguin mentioned that afterwards, the club will be hosting a more laid-back competition, where folks can sign up to arm wrestle each other. For instance, you can compete with your brother, try to take down your father in-law, or finally set straight that no good neighbour who cheated you out of some land at the card table.
Once the tournament ends, the fun continues, Seguin explained. “We’re giving it room to be more of a social, fun time.” Perfect for those who may be hesitant to challenge a competitor with thigh-sized biceps. Indeed, the fun time segment will be the perfect time to give the table a try and test your might.
For those who do compete, medals will be awarded to winners in each category, so prepare to flex in Verner, and clear a spot on your mantel, because you might just leave the table a winner.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
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