Coming to this year's Nordic Fest--"Kubb!"

This year Nordic Fest will host its first annual Kubb tournament.

Kubb is a backyard game with Scandinavian origin.  This is a game that involves teams of two to six people throwing Kastpins (batons) at Kubbs (blocks).  It involves strategy, skill and of course, luck.  It is best described as a mix of bowling and horseshoes.

The game involves two different phases. Team A throws the batons in an underhand motion.  If any Kubbs are knocked over, then Team B begins the second phase of the game. Any knocked over Kubbs must be thrown back to the defending teams side of the pitch (field).  These pieces are then placed upright and Team B must knock down the thrown Kubbs before they can attack the original Kubbs that Team A was defending.

The game may seem hard to understand on paper, but can be picked up by anyone in a short amount of time. While this game can be very competitive, it is also enjoyable to play simply for fun and to socialize. While most people play Kubb for the first time in a backyard, tournaments are a great way to watch top players and learn skills. One of the unique twists to this game is that you can include up to 12 players and can be played by young and old alike.  

Championship bracket registration runs from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 28th.  Play begins at 9:15 a.m.  Winners will receive a trophy, lefse, the winning Kubb set and other prizes.  Cost is $30 per team. For those who cannot commit to the entire day, the "I was at the Parade" tournament is just $5 per person and starts immediately following the Grand Parade on Saturday.  Winners keep playing to defend their field and losers can buy back in at any time for an additional $5.

Dry fit Kubb t-shirts are available for participants in advance (by July 15th) for $10 each or available the day of the event for $15. Shirts are not included in team registration fee.

Nordic Fest Kubb Tournament registration forms are now available at the Chamber of Commerce at 507 W. Water St. in downtown Decorah or online at www.nordicfest.com. For more information go to www.nordicfest.com and click on "Sporting Events," call the Fest hotline at 800-382-FEST or email tournament organizer Jason Larson at jplarson13@hotmail.com.