For more than a dozen years, people have traveled from tavern to tavern in the Bradford area community to test their skills at putt-putt golf while having a lot of fun raising money for the McKean County Relay for Life.
The event, known as the Barstool Open, will invite putt-putt enthusiasts to play the game from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at several participating taverns in the area, said Stacy Williams, of Team BRMC and event lead for the Relay for Life, slated to be held June 22 in Bradford.
“I’ve been involved with this event for a few years now and enjoy seeing the teams come through in various costumes,” Williams said. “Everyone has a lot of fun golfing. Participants will even express their appreciation for the fundraising event as they have struggled with cancer or have a loved one who has been diagnosed.”
Tish Howard Clark, committee chairperson for the Barstool event, shared similar sentiments.
“The Barstool Open is such a fun event and I love being a part of it each year,” Clark said. “Some of the teams return year after year to show their support for a wonderful cause. Some teams dress up, and I can’t wait to see what they will be dressed as this year. It is a great event.”
Shane Launer, community development manager for the American Cancer Society, Northeast Region, noted the Barstool Open is the biggest fundraiser for the Relay. He said most of the Relay team members volunteer at the different taverns during the Barstool event.
“We are going on the 13th year of this event that was started by Mary Ann Colestro and it has grown each year,” Launer said. “The event usually brings in $5,000 to $6,000 which is used for research and services within McKean County. The community support that we have each year is amazing along with the establishments that participate to make this a success.”
Williams said the participating taverns will install putt-putt golf greens in the facilities for the teams of four people. Golfers on the teams pay $15 each, for a total of $60. Teams can register at any of the participating establishments the day of the event.
The venues for the event include the Bradford VFW; Bradford American Legion; Bradford Eagles Club; Corner Bar; Hotel Holley; Italian Club; JJ’s Saloon; Lighterside; Marsh’s; Marche Club; Model T; New City Line; Players Downtown; Rookies; Roadhouse; The Edge; Violas and Vavalo’s.
Williams said the winners will be announced at the after-party which will be held at the New City Line.
The funds raised will be added to the coffers for the Relay, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 22 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford campus. This year’s Relay represents the first time in its 24-year history that the fundraiser will be held during a 12-hour period instead of 24 hours.
The Relay expects to host 16 teams or more that will decorate tents and tables, as well as dress for this year’s “Main Street, USA” theme. The goal is to raise $60,000 that will be used for local services for cancer survivors and victims as well as cancer research.
“I’m honored to be a part of the McKean County Relay for Life committee,” Williams added. “The men and women serving on this committee are dedicated to raising awareness and funding to help eradicate this awful disease.”
For more information on registering a Relay team visit the website www.relayforlife.org/pamckeancounty or call 1-877-957-7848.
