World Euchre Championship Next Week

New Glarus is gearing up for the World Euchre Championship, which takes place May 17—19 inside and outside of the New Glarus Fest Haus in New Glarus. With over 500 Euchre enthusiasts making their way to New Glarus, excitement is building. The impact it will have on the community is exciting too, according to Todd Klassy, New Glarus Cares board member.

"This tournament isn't just about cards; it's about community," said Klassy. "This is the largest fundraiser of the year for New Glarus Cares and the funds we raise will go a long way to help us build a new inclusive playground at Candy Cane Park. It's just great to see so many people come together for a cause that will benefit the whole community."

Sponsored by Bicycle Cards, Jack Link’s, Decatur Dairy, and New Glarus Fest Haus, the tournament has attracted Euchre players from far and wide, including many newcomers to New Glarus. "The influx of visitors not only brings vibrancy to our streets but also bolsters our local economy. New Glarus Cares' initiative is not just about philanthropy; it's about fostering growth and vitality within our community," Kennedy Dreger, General Manager of New Glarus Fest Haus said.

Though the Sunday doubles tournament has been sold out for over a month, there are still seats available for the singles tournament on Saturday. Euchre players of varying skill levels are arriving from more than 100 miles away in many cases, including some from Canada, Florida, Nevada and many more from Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, all competing to win the World Euchre Championship belt and be crowned “world champion”.

“Area residents can help in many ways,” said Shelly Johnson, President of New Glarus Cares. “We still have some openings for volunteers and we still have raffle tickets we need to sell,” she said. “One lucky raffle player will win $2500 on Saturday night and there’s another chance to win $2500 on Sunday night, so we hope everyone supports our event by buying a ticket. And you do not need to be present to win. Otherwise, just come down to the Fest Haus on Saturday and Sunday and enjoy the fun.”

Raffle tickets are available at businesses throughout New Glarus, but will also be available at the tournament venue next weekend. There will also be a small market of exhibitors and food trucks outside the New Glarus Fest Haus. Chalet Landhaus will be serving bratwurst, pulled pork sandwiches, and cheese sandwiches. Trouvaille Coffee is serving coffee and other beverages. Pink Heifer Smokehouse will have beef brisket, chicken sandwiches and macaroni and cheese, and Little Sisters Cookies is selling fresh oven baked cookies.

Klassy said the event isn't just for card players; “it's a weekend-long event open to all,” he said. “We hope the whole village turns out to help support a great local cause and kick off the summer festival season in the most Wisconsin way.”

Klassy said spectators can soak in the excitement of the game, which will be emceed by former New Glarus high school teacher Dan Ziegler. Plus, there is more than just Euchre on the agenda, including a much anticipated opening ceremony on Saturday at 12:30 PM, featuring traditional Swiss music, yodeling and alphorns from the New Glarus Yodel Club.

Thanks to the support of local businesses, this year's World Euchre Championship will be bigger and better than ever. Local businesses have sponsored tables and donated prizes. The community's spirit will be on full display and New Glarus Cares is going out of its way to promote local businesses and educate those arriving from outside of New Glarus about all there is to see and do in our village.

There is a wide array of activities open to the public throughout the weekend, including a Meet & Greet at Dirty Dog Taphaus, which begins at 5 PM on Friday, and a poker run which starts at 3 PM and ends at 8 PM. You too can participate in the poker run by picking up a game sheet at Kleeman’s Bar & Grill after 3 PM on Friday, May 17th.

Then at the Fest Haus on the evening of Saturday May 18th a night of music and fun will take place. Starting at 7 PM, the evening is called “Euchre Palooza." Live music will fill the air, ice-cold beer will be flowing, door prizes will be given away, alphorns will be serenading, and scrumptious late-night foods will be served at the New Glarus Fest Haus. “Frank Busch and The Names are playing and are sure to raise the roof,” Johnson said. "Next weekend will have something fun for everyone." For more details, visit: https://www.worldeuchrefederation.com