Another great Higgyball is in the books. Congratulations are in order to Mike and Chris from The Fistful of Dice. Also, great job to the MVPs: Dana and Liam.

As always, we must thank our gracious hosts, Danielle and Marc, for letting us have this great party. If you happened to leave anything behind, please come get it as soon as possible. Also, save the date for the next Higgyball: May 27, 2023. See you next year!

The weather looks like it just might be perfect tomorrow, which is surprising considering the slop we’ve had the last few days. Here’s a final checklist for the big day:

• BE ON TIME! Reminder for the address: 7650 King Rd. Oxford, OH 45056. The event starts at 11:00am, so be there before then, especially if you’re part of a team. Speaking of teams, take a look at the rules. Newcomers should familiarize themselves with how we run things. As usual, we’ll run everything through a computer on the deck, so you can see field assignments and standings on the big screen. Teams should check in at the deck computer when you arrive, because we need all teams present to begin the tournament. If you’re ridiculously late, we’ll give you a loss for your first round match-up. If you know you will be late, please let someone know long before the start of the event.
• If you’ve signed up and your plans have changed regarding Higgyball, please let me know, and you’ll get your money back. If someone bows out the day of the event, we’ll take any replacements that are at Higgyball to fill the spot. If you would like to play and have yet to sign up, click here, there are still spots.
• If you pledged your balls to Higgyball, please bring your bocce sets with you, and check in with a council member for field assignment. We’ll do our best to make sure you leave with the same balls you arrived with.
• Items to bring: water, sunscreen, bocce set(s), food items to share, lawn chairs, water, bug spray, sunglasses, tape measure, rain gear, swim suit and towel, and water.
• Ice! It’s so important, it needs its own section. Please bring a large bag or two of ice to throw in the giant communal beverage tubs.
• Just like recent years, parking is now in the big field to the left of the driveway (rather than on the right as in years past). Just park where everyone else is parked.

We are now less than 10 days out from Higgyball 18, and for me that means watching the dreaded weather forecast. Right now it looks to be relatively warm but with a possible thunderstorm. Frequent participants may remember the extreme weather events of past Higgyballs, so it I’m sure we can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at us. If it looks really bad, we’ll use the rain back-up date of Sunday, May 29, 2022, and will let everyone know if that clause is invoked.

We still have a few spots open, so ask around to see if anyone would like to register. We can handle up to 32 teams, but we will make do with what we have no matter the number. We’ll even take teams the day of the event, so don’t be shy. If you need to change your team name or partner, or even need to bow out, please contact me.

Here’s the address for the event: 7650 King Rd. Oxford, OH 45056. Please remember to be on time. We start at 11:00am, so if you are playing, you need to be there well before that time. Don’t make us wait on you! Everyone should bring a large bag or two of ice to throw in the communal drinks bins.

Lastly, check out the Higgyball Dry Goods store for this year’s T-shirt choices, along with stickers, coozies, and pint glasses. These are ordered individually and delivered right to your door, so take advantage while supplies last.

Don’t forget to visit our new swag store supported by Zazzle: Higgyball_Dry_Goods. Aside from shirts – which are customizable by color, size, brand, style, and material – we’re also offering a number of other products like glassware, stickers, and coozies. So far, customers have been very pleased with the products!

Proceeds from all purchases will be donated to the Red Cross in support of the Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis. There may be a surprise raffle for buyers if we are able to raise enough. So, stay tuned as your name will be entered for each item purchased.

Hit the link to check out the magnificent merch, and score some sweet deals by clicking the discount links. https://www.zazzle.com/store/higgyball_dry_goods

Tip: double check your shipping preference before placing your order. Thank me later.

(For those that haven’t gotten the update, here’s the post)

H18 Registration is open: Register here!

Follow along on the Bracket page. As you are registering your team, don’t forget to pledge your balls to Higgyball and add a few songs to the Music Registry list (max 2).

If you don’t have a partner, please add yourself to the Free Agents list. When all team spots have been filled, the Wait List will open up.

We have a new online store at Zazzle for T-shirts this year, Higgyball_Dry_Goods. When selecting your shirt, you have the option to customize not only the size, but also the style, brand, cut, and color There are stickers, pint glasses, and coozies to purchase as well. Keep an eye out for the discount code printed next to the products in red; add that code in your cart for some extra savings. When finished, you will have your shirt shipped right to you. Lastly, proceeds from the purchases will be donated to the Red Cross in support of the Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis. There may be a surprise raffle for buyers if we are able to raise enough. So, please consider an item or two and stay tuned, as your name will be entered for each item purchased.

Please email mark.r.walker@gmail.com if you have any problems or questions.

Watch out, folks! Higgyball will soon be able to legally do the following things: vote in U.S. elections, join the military, buy a lottery ticket, open a bank account, create a will, and buy pornography. But most importantly: return to its rightful place at the Start of Summer. That’s right, Higgyball will again occur on the Saturday before Memorial Day.

Save the date: May 28, 2022 at 11:00am. More details coming soon!