Sheriff to host cornhole, kickball tournament

The Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department is preparing to host its first annual Cornhole and Kickball Tournament in an effort to raise funds for essential equipment while providing a day of family fun for the community.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 7, at noon at Northside Park. 

“We wanted to create an opportunity for a family-friendly event where we could interact with citizens and generate some money at the same time,” said Deputy Trent Rickles. “This is just a more fun way of fundraising for us.”

The event will also serve as an opportunity for the public to meet the Sheriff, deputies, and their families, while also promoting initiatives like the Sheriff’s App and offering opportunities for attendees to ask questions and stay engaged with the department.

“We want to bridge the gap, connect with the public, and let them know who we are and our message,” said Sheriff Eric Clark. “We are using this opportunity two-fold. We’d like to raise money for equipment, if possible, but even if you don’t have money to contribute and just want to be involved in the activity there, we want you to come out.”

Although the department hasn’t set a specific fundraising goal, Rickles said the proceeds will go towards acquiring equipment like ballistic vests that see daily wear and tear, among other items constrained by budget limitations.

So far, the Sheriff’s Department has secured about $13,000 in sponsorships from local businesses and has sold over $1,000 in raffle tickets.

“We’ve had an outpouring of support from businesses,” Rickles said. “Citizens are steadily talking to us every day about purchasing raffle tickets and are looking forward to the event. I think we’re doing well.”

The department is currently focused on getting participants signed up for the tournament to determine the number of teams. Payments can also be made on the day of the event.

In addition to the tournament, there will be a dunking booth featuring the Sheriff and other deputies, live music performed by officers Josh Jolly and Dylan Alford, waterslides and bouncy houses for kids, food trucks including Point Blank Grillin, Tootie’s, and Tracey Waiter’s Indian Taco truck, and a snow cone stand. 

Tournament entry includes a chance to win door prizes. Additionally, four raffles will be held for a Stoeger shotgun, a Taurus 9mm pistol, a white gold quarter-karat diamond pendant, and a Turtle Box outdoor speaker.

Participants can purchase raffle tickets from any deputy leading up to the event, or they can buy them on-site during the tournament.

Rickles assured that the event will be conducted safely, with several deputies present, as well as medical personnel from Neshoba General and the Philadelhia Fire Department.

“This is our initial phase and a big family day,” Rickles said. “If we see a strong turnout and have the support to continue, we’ll look at adding more sports and activities for both kids and adults in the future.”

For more details, including pricing, visit www.facebook.com/neshobacountydsa or call or text (662) 578-1707.