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2023 Cornhole Classic
Thursday, September 14, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions


If after reviewing the FAQs, you still have questions, please let us know by contacting Natalie Whitlock at natalie.whitlock@pybpdx.org. Thank you for your support of Portland YouthBuilders. We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 Cornhole Classic!

When and where will this event take place?

The 2023 Cornhole Classic will take place on Thursday, September 14th starting at 5:30 pm at the Redd on Salmon. Get your tickets today

What exactly is the Cornhole Classic? 

The Cornhole Classic is a fundraising auction in celebration of Portland YouthBuilders. It also happens to be a competitive cornhole tournament - for those who sign up early enough to get one of the coveted team slots! (See below: "I want to play cornhole. How do I participate in the tournament?") Whether you play in the cornhole tournament or just stand back and watch the action, you'll have a great time while supporting PYB!

As always, you can expect a great evening filled with good food and drinks, inspirational stories, and lots of fun ways to support PYB. Join us at 5:30 on September 14th for an outdoor dinner served by three amazing food carts - Tamale Boy, Phat Cart, and Pat E Mac's BBQ. Sip a refreshing lemonade or cocktail made with Dregs Vodka while you eat and play cornhole and other lawn games. At 7:00, we'll move inside for dessert and a short program highlighting PYB's impact. At 7:30, our competitive sudden-death cornhole tournament will begin - get ready to play and cheer!

What should I wear?

Attire for this event is relaxed, think "summertime backyard celebration." This indoor/outdoor event is rain or shine and the cornhole tournament is untented, so layers and hoods are advised (please check the weather forecast before your arrival). We know Portlanders aren't afraid of a little September drizzle!

I purchased a ticket, does that mean I get to play in the tournament?

Only if you contacted Portland YouthBuilders to register your team after you purchased your ticket and received confirmation that space is available. Due to space limitations there are a limited number of tournament slots available. To reserve a team slot, please contact Natalie Whitlock.

I want to play cornhole! How do I participate in the tournament?

Tournament slots are available on a first come, first served basis. To sign up for a team slot: 1) Purchase your event tickets at the "Tickets" link above. 2) Get a partner - this is a doubles tournament. 3) Email Natalie to register your two person team.

There is no additional charge beyond the event ticket price to play, but advance registration is required and space is limited. Email Natalie to reserve your tournament slot today! And don't worry if you didn't get a team slot, we will still have casual cornhole play available before the program and lots of other fun activities.

How many people are on a team?

Two

How does the Cornhole Classic tournament work?

Your ticket to the Cornhole Classic event is not the same as registering for the cornhole tournament. There is no added fee to register a team but teams must be registered ahead of the event to guarantee entry. If you are purchasing a single ticket, the only way to register a two-person team to play in the tournament is to contact Natalie Whitlock after you purchase your event ticket to register your team. The tournament starts at 7:30PM but players should arrive at 5:30 to check-in, get oriented, and enjoy food and our program. 

This year, we’ll be offering casual cornhole play during the dinner hour from 5:30-7:00pm. The official tournament will begin at 7:30pm and will follow a “sudden-death” format - if you lose a game, you’re out and it’s time to refill your drink and cheer the remaining teams on! The stakes have never been higher! One triumphant team will claim the glory of the 2023 Cornhole Classic trophy. 

If I don't want to play Cornhole, what else can I do?

If you don't want to participate in the cornhole tournament, no problem! There is still plenty of fun to be experienced at the event. Friendly heckling and/or cheering on our cornhole players during the tournament is always encouraged - even as a spectator! There will also be hosted beer and wine, other lawn games, a wine wall, silent auction, and great company.

My friend/partner/grandmother wants to come and watch me show off my exceptional cornhole skills. Do they need to purchase a ticket event if they're not going to be on a team?

Yes, a ticket is required for all event attendees.

What do I have to do to be named Cornhole Champion?

The 2023 Cornhole Classic is a sudden death tournament - you will need to win all your games in order to claim the trophy and bragging rights. The stakes have never been higher! If you lose a game, you’re out - but don’t worry, there will still be plenty of drinks and fun to be had cheering on the remaining teams.

What does the winning team get? 

Bragging rights, thunderous applause, and the glory of a job well done. We’ll even throw in some special trophies, too. But no, there’s no cash purse for this tournament (remember, this is a fundraising event!).

Tell me about Portland YouthBuilders, the charity beneficiary.

Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) is an alternative high school and job readiness program that helps low-income high school dropouts find a pathway out of poverty. We serve young people between the ages of 17-24 with a combination of academics, vocational training, leadership development, counseling, and long term support. Our program works: on average, 85% of our students move on to college, apprenticeships, or the workforce.



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