CONSTRUCTION UPDATE O U R FAV O U R I T E T H I N G S
Let ’s Play!! BOCCE A summer classic that all ages can play together, bocce is known as boules, bowls, or pétanque depending on where you live. With variations of the game played around the globe, its origin can be traced back to the Roman Empire.
CROQUET Another “serious” summer game that involves hitting wooden or plastic balls with a mallet through hoops (called wickets in the US) embedded in a grass playing area. While there is some debate as to the origin of the game, it became a quintessentially British pastime. Croquet, played casually, is known as Garden or Backyard Croquet, but it is also played competitively with governing associations, league play and even world championships. HORSESHOES The heavy clank of a horseshoe as it rings the metal peg, followed by loud cheering will live forever in childhood memories of summer. Named for the main piece of equipment used, the game involves tossing or pitching a horseshoe at a stake (pin or peg) pounded into the lawn or sand pit some 12 m (40 ft) away from the player who is pitching. Filled with ringers, sliders and leaners, it is generally played with opposing teams of two players each, pitching into two ends where the stakes are set up.
FRISBEES have officially been tossed about
since the term was registered as a trademark by Wham-O Toy Company in 1957, but some version of the flying disc (including hats, lids, and pie tins) have been sailing through the air for as long as we have been throwing things! You can play the game with a friend, a group of friends, or even your dog. And there are variations like Frisbee Tag, Disc Golf and even freestyle competitions. LAWN DARTS No, not those lethal ones (eventually banned in Canada and the US) with metal pointy ends that we tossed around in 60s! Try the new, softer version with weighted blunt ends and some that even glow in the dark.
BUBBLE WANDS Nothing is more delightful for young and old than watching bubbles float through the air on a summer’s day. Just for the name alone you may want to try FLICKIN’ CHICKEN… like bocce but much sillier!
Of course, no summer is complete without stringing up a BADMINTON net in the backyard, at the park, or on the beach. While for most of us, the game involves swinging and missing the birdie or climbing a nearby tree to retrieve it, there is usually a lot of laughing involved as well! Then there are the supersized versions of traditional games like CHESS, DOMINOES, JENGA and even BEER PONG played outdoors and with MUCH larger playing pieces than their indoor cousins. And finally, you are NEVER too old to run through the SPRINKLER! Come on, just once. The neighbours will never know! 9 PASSIONS | SUMMER 2020
