New Melle VFW pairs cornhole and washers for June 27 fundraiser

New Melle VFW Post #5651 will put cornhole and washers on the same bill for a June 27 fundraiser built to draw serious competitors, families, veterans and casual weekend stop-ins. The double-elimination event will open registration at noon at 555 Foristell Rd. in New Melle, Missouri, before play begins at 1 p.m., giving players a longer run through the bracket and spectators more action to watch.

The setup gives the host two familiar backyard games instead of one, and that matters. Cornhole brings the biggest field because of its simple format and broad appeal, while washers adds a second lane for players who want another throwing game with its own rhythm and strategy. Both competitions will offer first- and second-place payouts, which gives the tournament a competitive edge even as it keeps the tone relaxed enough for people to show up and cheer from the sidelines.

The day will be about more than the boards and boxes. Food and drink specials will run alongside the tournament, and a 50/50 raffle will help turn the gathering into a fundraiser as well as a sports event. That mix fits the role the post says it plays in the community: Thiemann-Tidd VFW Post 5651 says it promotes patriotic, civic and social activities for members, spouses, families and the community. The post’s listed phone number is 636-828-5951, and the event’s format suggests it is trying to make the most of every foot that walks through the door.

The blueprint also reflects where cornhole stands now. The Veterans of Foreign Wars has already seen its national cornhole tournaments raise more than $32,000 for VFW National Veterans Service in 2023 and more than $35,000 in 2025, proof that the game can drive real fundraising when it is tied to a cause. The American Cornhole Association, established in 2003, describes cornhole as a game for recreational play, professional competition and tournaments, and that versatility is exactly what New Melle is leaning on here. In a village platted around 1850 and home to a post office since 1850, the event fits the grain of a town that has long made room for civic life, neighborhood gatherings and a summer afternoon built around a simple throw.